Taleni Seu, born on 26 December 1993, is a New Zealand rugby union player who primarily plays as a lock or loose forward. He currently represents Waikato in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup and Toyota Industries Shuttles in Japan.
Seu began his rugby career in Auckland, where he attended Onehunga High School and played for the school's first XV rugby team. He also excelled in basketball. After finishing high school, he joined the Auckland academy and played for the under-18, under-19, and 'B' teams while representing Grammar TEC in club rugby.
In 2015, Seu was called up as injury cover for the Auckland squad in the ITM Cup and impressed enough to earn a place in the team. He made eight appearances and scored two tries as Auckland reached the Premiership final but narrowly lost to Canterbury.
He continued as a full squad member in 2016, making seven more appearances in what was a disappointing campaign for Auckland. In April 2019, it was announced that Seu would be joining Waikato for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season.
Seu's performances in provincial rugby caught the attention of the Chiefs, and he earned a Super Rugby contract with the team for the 2016 season. In his debut year, he played in all 17 matches and scored two tries as the Chiefs reached the semi-finals.
He continued with the Chiefs in 2017 and signed a two-year contract extension in May 2017. Injuries hampered his time with the Chiefs, and he played a total of 45 games for the team by the end of the 2019 season.
Due to a dislocated shoulder, Seu was unable to participate in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup season with Waikato, despite intending to make the move. Instead, he turned down a contract extension with the Chiefs and signed a two-year deal with a Japanese club for the 2020 season.
Ahead of the World Rugby Cup 2023, Seu has been named in the squad for Samoa.
KG(05/07/2023)
Career
 |
Toyota Industries Shuttles Blindside Flanker |
2021 - present |
 |
Samoa No 4 Lock |
2022 - present |
 |
Auckland Blindside Flanker |
2015 - 2018 |
 |
Chiefs Blindside Flanker |
2015 - 2019 |
 |
NSW Waratahs No 4 Lock |
2023 - 2023 |
