SIONE TUIPULOTU has agreed a contract extension which sees the in-form centre “commit his immediate future” to Glasgow Warriors subject to visa. The length of the deal is understood to be for two years, meaning he is locked in until the summer of 2025.
The Australian-born 25-year-old arrived at Scotstoun from Japanese side Yamaha Jubilo in the summer of 2021 and has quickly established himself as a key for Warriors and the Scotland national team. He qualifies to wear the thistle through his grandmother from Greenock
Equally adept in the 12 or 13 jerseys, Tuipulotu has made 30 appearances and scored four tries for Glasgow to date, captaining the side for the first time in their victory over the Vodacom Bulls back in October, and taking home the McCrea Financial Services Warrior of the Month award for December.
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He has been capped 11 times for Scotland to date and scored the first two tries of his international career in the national team’s win over Argentina at the end of their recent Autumn Test Series.
“I’m really happy to be sticking around for the next couple of years,” said Tuipulotu. “I’m incredibly settled here, and I’m really enjoying life not just with the club, but in the city in general.
“I tell a lot of people back home that Glasgow’s like my second home, and I can’t see myself living anywhere else. That was the most important thing for me, to be honest – if I’m enjoying life in the city, then I’m enjoying my rugby. The two go hand in hand for me.
“Glasgow reminds me a lot of Melbourne, where I grew up – apart from the weather, obviously! There’s always something going on and I’ve just settled in so well with the boys here. I’ve got a lot of close friends that I’m very thankful for, and that’s a part of rugby that sometimes gets neglected – looking after the boys away from the training field is something that this club does so well, and I’m very thankful for that. I’m stoked to be sticking around.
“My main goal is to win something for Glasgow. When you’re walking around Scotstoun, you’re constantly bumping into guys who have won the league – guys like Pete Horne, Pete Murchie and Al Kellock. That motivates me to bring this club back to the top end of the league, and with the calibre of player we have here I truly believe that this club is capable of something special.”
Head coach Franco Smith added: “We’re pleased to be able to secure Sione’s services for the foreseeable future.
“He’s someone that forms a big part of our plans for the future – he’s really bought into what we are doing here and he’s become a big leader within our playing group. He’s contributing a lot and he shows that he carries his heart on his sleeve every time he steps onto the pitch for us.
“Above that, too, he’s a hard worker and a top-rate person, and someone that is always eager to learn and improve. We’re looking forward to working with him closely over the rest of this season and beyond.”
Good. He is mint.
Tremendous player and getting better.
Great player and a cool guy.
excellent news. Top player