'Tongan Thor' extends contract with Queensland Reds Featured
Taniela 'Tongan Thor" Tupou extends his contract with the Queensland Reds.
23 December, 2015. The teenage rugby star dubbed the Tongan Thor - Taniela Tupou - has re-signed with the Queensland Reds until 2018.
The 135kg prop shot to fame two years ago after his try-scoring feats for Auckland's Sacred Heart College went viral on YouTube.
The 19 year old also impressed further for the Brothers Old Boys club in Brisbane this year and represented the Pacific Barbarians in an exhibition match against his birth country, Tonga, in 2014.
Tupou is yet to make his Super Rugby debut, but impressed enough in his first year of training with the squad to secure an upgrade to his contract ahead of the 2016 season.
Queensland Rugby Union Executive General Manager - Reds, Daniel Herbert, said:
"Taniela has impressed everyone, not only with his athletic ability, but with his enthusiasm to learn and improve. We look forward to continuing his development to reach his Rugby potential and we are excited by the contributions he will make to our team and the Reds environment over the next three years."
Tupou says he's very happy to be at the Reds and excited by the opportunity to continue his development.
"When I came here from school I didn't realise how hard it would be to play Super Rugby, but I've learnt a lot in the last year and I know I have to keep working hard to get a chance to play for the Reds. I just want to keep learning and hopefully I will get my opportunity to play Super Rugby for the Reds soon."
RNZI
