Having joined the Crusaders for the 2013 season, Jimmy Tupou would have the least rugby experience of anyone in the squad. He was a rugby league player until his final year at Pukekohe High School, when his school principal suggested he give rugby union a go.
It was a wise move, with Tupou soon making it into the Counties Manukau Under-18 side, followed by the NZ Under-20s and the Counties Manukau ITM Cup team in 2012. Tupou has the ability to play at lock, 6 or 8 and will benefit from training and playing alongside some experienced payers in each of those positions in the Crusaders squad.
In June 2016, Tupou was announced to have signed with the Blues for the 2017 season, having already played 37 times in Super Rugby with the Crusaders.
Tupou proved an early starter for the Blues, capable of playing lock or loose forward, until a hamstring injury sidelined him for much of the later part of the season.
The strong allround player and leader is set to reach 50 Super caps in 2018, having already made 45 appearances in the competition.
He made 7 appearances scoring one try in 2018 and wasn't re-signed for 2019. He joined Shining Arcs for the 2020 Top League season.
Career
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Counties Manukau Blindside Flanker |
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Chiefs Blindside Flanker |
2024 - present |
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Crusaders Blindside Flanker |
2013 - 2016 |
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Blues Blindside Flanker |
2017 - 2019 |
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Urayasu D-Rocks Blindside Flanker |
2020 - 2024 |
