Taniela Tupou’s future may no longer lie with Section Paloise, with the Wallabies prop now close to signing with Parisian outfit Racing 92. After just one season at the Waratahs, the 29-year-old tighthead appears set to head abroad, with the Top 14 his most likely destination.
Tupou had been waiting on a new deal from Rugby Australia in recent months, but the governing body appears to have opted against extending his contract – prompting the powerful prop to explore options overseas.
The ‘Tongan Thor’, who was born and raised in Tonga, moved to Australia in the early 2010s and first made his mark with a string of dominant performances for Sacred Heart College’s First XV. He made his Test debut for the Wallabies in 2017, a year after his breakthrough Super Rugby campaign with the Queensland Reds, and has since won 51 caps.
Although Tupou had initially been expected to join Section Paloise, that move has reportedly fallen through, clearing the way for Racing 92 – and potentially others – to make a play for the front-rower.
According to multiple French outlets and The Roar in Australia, Tupou is set to join his former Wallabies teammate Feleti Kaitu’u in Paris on a one-year deal.
He is expected to feature in next year’s British and Irish Lions series, and if all goes to plan, will link up with his new club once that series concludes.
Racing 92 are rebuilding following the departures of Owen Farrell, Dan Lancaster, Henry Arundell, Nolann Le Garrec, Cameron Woki and Thomas Laclayat. Should Tupou sign, Patrice Collazo will gain a proven, experienced tighthead—likely to start ahead of France international Demba Bamba.
The 2025/26 Top 14 season is scheduled to begin in early September.
