Overview
- Tupaea’s new deal keeps the 26-year-old midfielder in New Zealand for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, confirming his availability for the next Rugby World Cup.
- Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes hailed Tupaea’s resilience and leadership as the club announced the extension.
- Tupaea scored a decisive try off the bench in New Zealand’s 24-17 win over South Africa at Eden Park, his first All Blacks try since a serious 2022 knee injury.
- Rassie Erasmus has overhauled the Springboks’ backline for Wellington, with Cheslin Kolbe the only returning starter and Canan Moodie shifting to centre, which Tupaea called a group of “ballers.”
- Richie McCaw has joined the All Blacks in camp, with New Zealand targeting another step up as they manage injuries to Codie Taylor (concussion) and Emoni Narawa (ribs) and add Caleb Clarke to the squad.