All Blacks No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa signs with Hurricanes

The Hurricanes are thrilled to confirm the signing of All Blacks No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa on a two-year deal beginning next season.

Among the most exciting young talents in New Zealand, Tupou Ta’eiloa joins the Hurricanes from Moana Pasifika, where his blockbusting form resulted in a breakthrough All Blacks call-up for their recent tour of South Africa. 

The powerhouse 22-year-old went on to make his All Blacks debut during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour and is expected to be a valued addition to the Hurricanes in 2027 and 2028.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the Hurricanes,” Tupou Ta’eiloa said. “It’s exciting to be part of such a proud region and I can’t wait to get started. Malo.”

Born in Mangere, Tupou Ta’eiloa was raised in South Auckland before shifting south to attend Otago Boys’ High School, where he played alongside fellow Hurricanes recruit Oli Haig.

Establishing his rugby credentials as a star of the school’s First XV, Tupou Ta’eiloa went viral in 2020 after shrugging off nine defenders to score a long-range try that showcased his ball-carrying prowess.

He was then selected to represent the New Zealand U19 side on their 2022 tour South Africa and made his NPC debut with Southland the following year. He has since made 27 appearances and scored six times for the Stags.

Strong performances in the NPC led to a return to Auckland, where Tupou Ta’eiloa joined Moana Pasifika ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. That season, he led the competition for most carries (205) and was named Moana Pasifika’s Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. 

He continued as a standout figure during his two years at the club, scoring 11 tries in 25 matches and ultimately becoming the first and only Moana Pasifika player to debut for the All Blacks.

Tupou Ta’eiloa made his All Blacks debut in August, featuring in two matches against the Sharks and Lions in South Africa. He joins more than a dozen other players who have represented the All Blacks in next year's Hurricanes squad.

Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is excited about the prospect of Tupou Ta’eiloa joining the club over the next two seasons.

"It’s great that Semisi is joining us on a two-year deal. He’s got a lot of potential having already played for a couple of years in Super Rugby Pacific,” Laidlaw said.

“The first time I saw him play was when he was in South Africa with the New Zealand U19 side three or four years ago. His destructive power both in the tackle and in the ball-carry was obvious.

“To be selected by the All Blacks to go to South Africa this year shows what potential he’s got. We really look forward to working with him and helping him fulfil that potential over the next few years. He’s only 22 and his game is going to develop and grow. 

“He's someone who has already played Super Rugby at such a high level and played so well at such a young age and will complement the guys we’ve already got. 

“It's hugely exciting to have him here for pre-season to start growing his game and getting him to understand how we want to play the game, and we can’t wait to welcome him to the club.”

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

Date of Birth: 25 November 2003 (22-years-old)
Place of Birth: Auckland
Villages: Leimatua, Vavau, Koulo, Ha’apai
Position: Loose Forward
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 113kg
Club: Star Rugby Club
School: Otago Boys’ High School
Playing Career: Southland (2023-present), Moana Pasifika (2025-2026), All Blacks (2026-present)