Quinn Tupaea, born on May 10, 1999, is a talented New Zealand professional rugby union player who has made significant strides in his career as a centre. With his powerful running and exceptional skills with the ball in hand, Tupaea has showcased his potential and emerged as an exciting prospect in the world of rugby.
Tupaea's journey began in his youth career, where he was selected to represent New Zealand in the 2019 World Rugby Under 20 Championships. He also had the privilege of being a part of the prestigious Hamilton Boys' High School First XV, a top representative team in secondary school rugby.
Hailing from Hamilton, Tupaea attended Southwell School and later Hamilton Boys' High School. His early experiences in these renowned institutions undoubtedly contributed to his development as a player.
In May 2018, Tupaea signed with Waikato for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season at the age of 19. Making his professional team debut, he quickly established himself as a regular starter, showcasing his skills and scoring an impressive seven tries in eleven appearances. His contributions played a crucial role in Waikato's historic Ranfurly Shield victory over Taranaki and their successful top-of-the-table finish. Tupaea's outstanding performances earned him recognition, as he finished sixth equal in the leading try-scorers list and was awarded Emerging Player of the Year at the Waikato Rugby awards.
Continuing his success, Tupaea had an impressive debut season with the Gallagher Chiefs in the 2020 Investec Super Rugby competition. Making his debut against the Blues, he later received the prestigious title of Gallagher Chiefs Rookie of the Year, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
Tupaea's exceptional form also earned him a place in the 2019 New Zealand Under-20 squad, demonstrating his talent at the national level. His performances caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Māori All Blacks camp in 2021. This recognition continued as he was named in the All Blacks squad for the first time, making his debut against Tonga on July 3rd, 2021. He subsequently secured a spot in the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship, cementing his place among the country's elite rugby players.
With his powerful running, excellent skills, and consistently impressive performances, Quinn Tupaea possesses immense potential and a promising future ahead. As he continues to develop and gain experience at the highest level of the game, his impact on the field is expected to grow, making him an exciting player to watch in the years to come.
KG(01/06/2023)
Career
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Waikato Outside Centre |
2018 - present |
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Chiefs Outside Centre |
2019 - present |
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Maori All Blacks Outside Centre |
2021 - present |
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All Blacks XV Outside Centre |
2024 - present |
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New Zealand U20's Outside Centre |
2019 - 2019 |
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New Zealand Outside Centre |
2021 - 2022 |
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Hamilton Boys High School Outside Centre |
