Ben Tapuai, born on 19 January 1989, is an Australian professional rugby player who currently plays for The Sharks in the United Rugby Championship. He hails from Melbourne and has Samoan heritage. Tapuai's primary playing position is centre.
In 2011, Tapuai secured a full-time contract with the Reds, making a significant impact in his debut season. He played 10 out of the Reds' 18 games, and one of his standout moments came during the semi-final when he scored a crucial try in the right-hand corner after receiving a low pass from Quade Cooper. His strong defense, direct running, and accurate left boot earned him recognition as the Reds' Most Improved Player of the Year in 2011. He was also selected for the Australian Barbarians squad, where he impressed in their victory over Canada.
Tapuai made an impressive start to his professional rugby career when he scored a try with his first touch of the ball in his debut match for the Reds in 2009 against the Crusaders in Christchurch. After a season with the Western Force, he was released from his contract a year early to join Bath Rugby in England. Tapuai also represented the Wallabies, earning seven caps.
Following his time at Bath, Tapuai joined Harlequins in 2017. He made 40 appearances for the club, scoring four tries. In the 2018-19 season, he agreed to join Harlequins' Premiership rivals, also called Harlequins, and became a regular starter, accumulating over 1500 playing minutes. He played 30 times for Harlequins in the Premiership, including an appearance off the bench in the high-scoring Premiership final victory against Exeter, which Quins won 40-38.
After a successful season with Harlequins, Tapuai signed a deal to join The Sharks, based in Durban, continuing his rugby career in South Africa.
KG(26/05/2023)
Career
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Union Bordeaux Begles Outside Centre |
2023 - present |
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Australia Outside Centre |
2012 - 2014 |
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Queensland Reds Outside Centre |
2009 - 2015 |
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World XV Outside Centre |
2015 - 2015 |
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Brisbane City Outside Centre |
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Western Force Outside Centre |
2015 - 2016 |
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Perth Spirit Inside Centre |
2016 - 2016 |
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Bath Rugby Outside Centre |
2016 - 2018 |
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Harlequins Outside Centre |
2018 - 2021 |
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Sharks Outside Centre |
2021 - 2023 |
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Natal Sharks Inside Centre |
2022 - 2024 |
