Sione Vailanu is a Tongan rugby union player who plays as a No.8. He is currently a member of the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship. Prior to joining the Warriors, he played for Wasps, Saracens, and Worcester Warriors.
Vailanu began his rugby career playing sevens in Japan for Asahi University, where he spent four years. During this time, he caught the attention of Afa Hanipale, who recommended him to the invitational team Samurai RFC. In 2017, he played for Samurai RFC at the Hong Kong 10s tournament, impressing Donald Barrell, who was the forwards coach for the team and also the Saracens Academy Director at the time.
His performance at the Hong Kong 10s led to an opportunity to join Saracens. Vailanu signed with Saracens in January 2018, initially as injury and international call-up cover. He made four appearances across different competitions for Saracens during the remainder of the 2017/18 season, despite being limited by various injuries.
In February 2019, Vailanu announced his move to Wasps, seeking more game time and partly filling the position left by Nathan Hughes, who departed after the 2018/19 season. He represented the Tongan national team, known as "Ikale Tahi," in two games against Japan and Romania before joining Saracens. However, along with several other Tongan players, he chose to leave national duty early to facilitate his transition to England.
In April 2021, it was announced that Vailanu would be joining Worcester Warriors on a two-year contract, and he played for the club at Sixways Stadium.
Currently, Vailanu plays for the Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship, adding his skills and physicality to the team's forward pack.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Vailanu has been named in the training squad for Tonga.
KG(08/06/2023)
Career
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Glasgow Warriors No. 8 |
2022 - present |
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Saracens No. 8 |
2018 - 2019 |
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Wasps No. 8 |
2019 - 2021 |
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Worcester Warriors No. 8 |
2021 - 2022 |
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Barbarians No. 8 |
2023 - 2024 |
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Tonga No. 8 |
2017 - 2024 |
