He wasn’t getting picked so told the coach he’d had enough. Now, he’s been rewarded in the Top 14 after some impressive performances
Welsh back-row Carwyn Tuipulotu has signed a new deal with French club Section Paloise after impressing for the Top 14 side this season.
Having initially joined from the Scarlets in February as a medical joker following a brief spell with Saracens, Tuipulotu went on to make nine appearances for the French outfit – crossing for two tries.
As such, the club have moved to sign him up for another year, with the option of another season after that. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“I love the supporters and this club with its unique history and pride,” said Tuipulotu. “I am very honoured and grateful to have been so quickly adopted by the Section family.
“A new season is coming up. I am looking forward to it; the club is building something strong and special.”
Head coach Sébastien Piqueronies added : “Through his commitment and performances, Carwyn has demonstrated that he’s at TOP 14 level.
“We’re delighted to be able to count on him next season. Our third line is becoming more robust and will be even more of a strength in the coming season.”
Tuipulotu had long been tipped for senior Wales honours after catching the eye of previous coach Warren Gatland and playing for Wales Under 20s, but fell out of favour at the Scarlets this season, with the Welsh region letting him go.
He made 48 appearances for the Welsh region in total after making his senior debut for the club in 2020 against Ospreys.
His departure came after an honest conversation with Scarlets’ forwards coach Albert van den Berg resulted in him deciding he had to move for his own sake.
“It was just an honest conversation and that almost became the turning point,” he said. “I said to him I’d had enough and I felt like I should be playing in the team.”
Tuipulotu still has big senior internationalaspirations after choosing Wales over England as a youngster, recently telling the Times: “Obviously I have aspirations for Wales. That’s every boy’s dream who comes from Wales. I’d love to have that as a goal to hopefully go on that summer tour [to Japan].
“I’m just quietly doing my business here in France. Hopefully someone notices and wants to see me.”
Tuipulotu is the son of former Tonga international Katilimoni, who played for Dunvant and Neath in Wales. Before joining Scarlets, Tuipulotu was part of the Newcastle Falcons academy after studying at Sedbergh School, and was picked up through the Welsh Exiles programme.
