Reports coming out of Australia this morning suggest that Leinster have made a play to sign Australian International tighthead prop Taniela Tupou for next season. The Wallaby has made over 50 caps for his nation since debuting in 2017 and is one of the country's most popular stars.
Tupou is currently contracted to the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific, having just joined them for the new season which started last month. However the Rebels are in serious financial problems. In January they were placed into voluntary administration after reporting an over $20 million AUD debt to its creditors, including an $11.6 million AUD tax bill.
Rugby Australia vowed to support the Rebels for the 2024 season, but it is still unclear what the future holds beyond that for the Rebels. Tupou's deal is up until the end of 2025, but if the Rebels were to fold he is free to join any team he wants.
Leinster are in the market for a tighthead prop as Michael Ala'alatoa is leaving this summer to move to Clermont. With Thomas Clarkson and a young Paddy McCarthy as the only cover behind Tadhg Furlong, Leinster are looking to add depth to that department.
In a report from the Daily Telegraph in Sydney, they said Leinster have offered Tupou over €500,00 to bring him to Dublin. With the departure of Jason Jenkins as well as Ala'alatoa Leinster have another NIQ spot open for Taniela Tupou to join Leinster.
For those unfamiliar with Tupou, he's an explosive 135kg prop who loves nothing more than to bulldoze over opponents. He's been hampered by injuries over the past couple of years but when he's at his best, there's not many in the world better.
💪 The power of a prop but the footwork and balance of a wing. ⚖️
🥳 Happy birthday to the superb Australia and Reds prop Taniela Tupou, who already has a rather lengthy highlights reel.pic.twitter.com/ra19NFYjUL
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 10, 2022
Leinster have already announced the signing of RG Snyman for this summer and if they can pull this move off too it will be a very exciting season ahead for the boys in blue.
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