Tupou Paea'i Okalani Vaa'i, born on January 27, 2000, is a highly talented and accomplished New Zealand rugby union player. He plays as a lock for both the Taranaki Bulls in the Mitre 10 Cup and the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Vaa'i's rugby journey began during his youth career when he played for the Wesley College first XV, where he demonstrated his leadership abilities by being appointed Head Prefect and captaining the team in his final year of school. He continued to excel in the sport and earned a spot in the top representative team in secondary school. In 2019, he was selected to represent New Zealand in the World Rugby Under 20 Championships, showcasing his potential at the international level.
Making his debut for Taranaki at the age of 18 against Auckland in 2018, Vaa'i quickly established himself as a promising talent. His impressive performances caught the attention of the Chiefs, and in 2020, he joined the team as injury cover. Despite not originally being contracted to the team, Vaa'i's abilities and dedication earned him a starting role following an injury to another player. He became one of the standout performers for the Chiefs during their Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign and was recognized for his contributions.
Vaa'i's outstanding form led to his selection in the All Blacks squad in 2020. He made his international debut on October 11, 2020, coming off the bench against Australia. Notably, he became the first player born in the 21st century to represent New Zealand in international rugby. In his debut start the following week, Vaa'i played a significant role in the All Blacks' victory over Australia. He went on to score his debut test try in his fourth international appearance, concluding the 2020 season with four caps.
In 2021, Vaa'i continued to impress, securing a regular starting position for the Chiefs. He accumulated a total of 19 Super Rugby caps during the season, including an appearance in the Super Rugby Aotearoa final. Additionally, he represented New Zealand in three tests during the 2021 Rugby Championship, making notable contributions on the field. In a match against Argentina, Vaa'i played the full 80 minutes, showcasing his endurance and scoring two tries to help secure a victory.
With his imposing physical presence, impressive performances, and numerous accomplishments at a young age, Tupou Vaa'i has established himself as a formidable force in the world of rugby. As he continues to develop his skills and gain further experience, he is expected to make significant contributions to his teams and achieve even greater success in the future.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Vaa'i has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
KG(01/06/2023)
Career
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Taranaki No 4 Lock |
2018 - present |
 |
Chiefs No 5 Lock |
2020 - present |
 |
North Island No 4 Lock |
2020 - present |
 |
New Zealand No 4 Lock |
2020 - present |
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New Zealand U20's No 4 Lock |
2019 - 2019 |
