Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou would ‘love’ to stay in Australia beyond his current contract

As he recovers from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Taniela Tupou is hopeful of signing a new deal with Rugby Australia.

Powerhouse Queensland prop Taniela Tupou is poised to reject overseas offers to re-sign with Rugby Australia to give him the best chance of playing against the British and Irish Lions in 2025.

Tupou’s RA and Reds contract expires at the end of the year, and he’s sure to be tempted by lucrative offers from clubs abroad.

However, he wants to take on the Lions when they tour Australia in 2025.

“I haven’t played against the Lions, so I want to tick that off, and for that to happen, obviously I need to be injury free and be in Australia,” the 26-year-old front-rower said.

“Hopefully the Reds are keen to have me here for the next few years. I’d love to stay back here in Australia, but we’ll see what happens.”

Welcome to the #RedsFamily Peni!

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— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) January 31, 2023

For now Tupou is focused on recovering from the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing for the Wallabies against Ireland in November last year in time to be considered for Australia’s squad for the 2023 World Cup, which starts in September in France.

“I’m hoping I’m back sooner than expected but at the moment it’s going good,” he said.

“I’m starting to learn how to walk again, and hopefully in a few months’ time I’ll start running and hopefully back on the field.”

Tupou was “excited” by the prospect of being mentored by recently appointed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

“I haven’t worked with him or done anything with Eddie before but I’ve heard a lot of good stories,” he said.

“From what I know he’s a very successful coach, especially in a World Cup year.

“If I get a chance to work with him, I’ll be excited because I’m sure I’ll learn a lot off him.”

Tupou said he was yet to hear from Jones, who was named as Australia’s new coach last month, replacing the sacked Dave Rennie.

Originally published as Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou would ‘love’ to stay in Australia beyond his current contract