Latest news with #Tuipulotu
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Glasgow Warriors' chase aided by 'infectious personality' as Springbok's Scotstoun nightmare explained
Warriors' title is on the line in URC knock-outs Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... And then there were eight. Like victims in an Agatha Christie thriller, half the cast list of the United Rugby Championship has been dispatched. There will be further casualties over the next three weekends as the survivors are whittled down via a play-off schedule which begins with Friday's first quarter-final, between Glasgow Warriors and the Stormers, and continues on Saturday with the Bulls v Edinburgh, Leinster v Scarlets and the Sharks v Munster. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Glasgow were the last club standing a year ago, victors over the Bulls in a dramatic final in Pretoria. It was a seismic moment, one which showcased the Warriors squad's abilities and courage in equal measure under the totemic leadership of Franco Smith. Glasgow Warriors' Sione Tuipulotu tries to break clear of Manie Libbok during last season's United Rugby Championship play-off quarter-final against the Stormers at Scotstoun. | SNS Group It was a real team effort but several Glasgow players touched new heights across the play-offs which, like this year, began with a home quarter-final against the Stormers, then continued with a semi-final win over Munster in Limerick followed by the remarkable triumph at Loftus Versfeld. Zander Fagerson was a titan in the scrum, playing the full 80 minutes in all three knockout ties; Tom Jordan was equally effective in the backline but it was Sione Tuipulotu who added the extra pizzazz, the dynamism, personality and sheer attacking brilliance to elevate Glasgow. Poirot not needed to crack this case It doesn't take Hercule Poirot to work out that the Warriors have missed Tuipulotu. The all-action centre has been injured: sidelined since mid-January after ripping a pectoral muscle in training. If anything, Tuipulotu's form had been even better this season, both for club and country, and he had been set to lead Scotland into the Six Nations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As things turned out, he missed the entire championship but happily he has recovered and made his comeback from Glasgow a fortnight ago, playing the first half of their narrow loss to Leinster in Dublin. A small step, perhaps, but not an insignificant one. 'I think Sione's return for 40 minutes against Leinster was massive for the club,' said Chris Paterson, Scotland's all-time record points scorer, who will be on punditry duties for Premier Sports at Scotstoun. 'I thought he was outstanding. His influence on others, let alone his own performance after being out for so long, was brilliant. Sione Tuipulotu during a Glasgow Warriors training session at Scotstoun this week, | SNS Group 'I think his infectious personality and his standards make a difference. And I also think, technically against a team like Stormers, who traditionally want to come really hard at you in defence, his ability to play the late pass at the line or cut through the line and carry, I think will really suit him. So I think he'll be crucial. It's really good to have him back.' Tuipulotu will go into battle without his side-kick, Huw Jones, who has been ruled out by the persistent Achilles tendon problem that has been troubling him since the Six Nations but Stafford McDowall is a more than adequate replacement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Boks playmaker's horrible night in front of the posts When the sides met at this stage last year, it was something of a slow burn. There were no tries until the 58th minute when Ben Loader scored for the Stormers. It galvanised the hosts and Glasgow touched down three times in the final quarter, through Sebastian Cancelliere, Henco Venter and Ross Thompson, to win 27-10. It was a difficult evening for Manie Libbok. The lavishly gifted South Africa fly-half had a horrible night in front of the posts, missing everything. He is on the bench tonight, with fellow Springbok Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu preferred as the starting 10. 'I do think it'll be open because of the nature of the two teams,' said Paterson. 'It's the same quarter-final as last year and that was a disappointing game. It was wet, it was windy and it was in the balance. I think there were three points in it until about the last 15 minutes. 'Manie missed four kicks I think, consecutively. I was standing at the side of the pitch watching him in the warm-up and he was really struggling because of the wind. And Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu seemed to be hitting everything. 'Not to get too technical, but Manie Libbok's tee was really high. The ball sits right up and he kicks underneath and it goes really high. I don't think there was much wrong with his technique and I just think it just wasn't suited to the wind whistling through Scotstoun. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Former Scotland international Chris Paterson will be on duty for Premier Sports at Scotstoun. | ©INPHO/Tom Maher 'For as much as it hindered Stormers, it actually helped Glasgow because it meant they could stay ahead. And then of course Glasgow ramped it up the last 15 minutes and finished the game. 'I don't know what the conditions are going to be like tomorrow but if I was in the Stormers' camp I'd be thinking, 'we let ourselves down last year, let's make the difference now', which will focus the mind. And Glasgow have to be aware of that.' The return of Murphy Walker Winning the title last year has raised expectations for Smith's side who have struggled in recent weeks. Injuries took their toll and they slipped from second to fourth in the URC standings. It was enough to secure a home quarter-final but they go into the tie still without some key personnel. Jack Dempsey, the Fagerson brothers and Jones are all missing but they are fortified by the return of No 8 Venter from suspension and full-back Josh McKay who has recovered from an ankle infection. There are also recalls for half-backs George Horne and Jordan and lock Scott Cummings, and a first start of the season for Murphy Walker at tighthead after a wretched time with injuries. Tuipulotu remains Glasgow's game-breaker, however, a point not lost on Stormers coach John Dobson. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We know the threat Tuipulotu poses,' said Dobson. 'He was really good against us at Stellenbosch, which was a game we deserved to lose. He is their game-maker, their talisman and we have to be better at defending him than we were last time.'
West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
‘Been to two Olympics': Dragons confirm late switch with Nathan Lawson locked in to make NRL debut
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has confirmed former sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut for the club on Friday night after try-scoring machine Christian Tuipulotu was ruled out. Tuipulotu scored seven tries in five matches but hasn't played since the round 6 win over the Titans when he came off with a hamstring injury having already crossed for a double. The left winger was named to make his return in Friday's match against the Knights, but the club has decided to play it safe, with Tuipulotu expected to come back next week against the Dolphins. 'CT is very close,' Flanagan said. 'We could have pushed him if it was a semi-final or something like that. With his history, we told him he was playing all week and we'd get him to the start line, and then we were always going to pull him at the last minute because he's had that hamstring that has caused a few problems. 'Our staff thought it would be better off if he had a really good training week and then get him ready for next week.' The late change has opened the door for Lawson to make his NRL debut after joining the Dragons in the off-season following a decorated sevens career. Lawson went to two Olympics with the Australian side and scored a stack of tries for the national team, with the recruit doing well in his eight games in reserve grade where he scored a hat-trick against Manly last month. 'It was interesting with the presentation with his dad and his partner this morning that we presented a jersey to a bloke that's been to two Olympics and represented Australia numerous times,' Flanagan said. 'I think he's had 25 Test matches and he's been player of the year, so it was interesting that it's a reverse cycle that he's making his debut now in a different code. 'He's really excited about it and I'm really looking forward to him playing. 'One thing I know is that he'll compete really hard.' Maroons winger Valentine Holmes is set to play just 48 hours after the State of Origin opener, with the Dragons looking to build on their fantastic win over the Broncos before last week's bye. The Red V sit just outside the top eight but have the chance to move up the ladder during the Origin period where they'll be close to full strength. 'Every game is important, but in this period during Origin, some sides have different issues with a few players away,' their coach said. 'We're not disrupted, so (we have) to keep it simple, prepare well and make sure we're ready to play during this period. 'After the Origin period, it's just a race to the finals. If you get this period right then you put yourself in with a chance.'
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Former sevens star locked in for NRL debut
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has confirmed former sevens star Nathan Lawson will make his NRL debut for the club on Friday night after try-scoring machine Christian Tuipulotu was ruled out. Tuipulotu scored seven tries in five matches but hasn't played since the round 6 win over the Titans when he came off with a hamstring injury having already crossed for a double. The left winger was named to make his return in Friday's match against the Knights, but the club has decided to play it safe, with Tuipulotu expected to come back next week against the Dolphins. 'CT is very close,' Flanagan said. 'We could have pushed him if it was a semi-final or something like that. With his history, we told him he was playing all week and we'd get him to the start line, and then we were always going to pull him at the last minute because he's had that hamstring that has caused a few problems. 'Our staff thought it would be better off if he had a really good training week and then get him ready for next week.' The late change has opened the door for Lawson to make his NRL debut after joining the Dragons in the off-season following a decorated sevens career. Lawson went to two Olympics with the Australian side and scored a stack of tries for the national team, with the recruit doing well in his eight games in reserve grade where he scored a hat-trick against Manly last month. 'It was interesting with the presentation with his dad and his partner this morning that we presented a jersey to a bloke that's been to two Olympics and represented Australia numerous times,' Flanagan said. 'I think he's had 25 Test matches and he's been player of the year, so it was interesting that it's a reverse cycle that he's making his debut now in a different code. 'He's really excited about it and I'm really looking forward to him playing. 'One thing I know is that he'll compete really hard.' Maroons winger Valentine Holmes is set to play just 48 hours after the State of Origin opener, with the Dragons looking to build on their fantastic win over the Broncos before last week's bye. The Red V sit just outside the top eight but have the chance to move up the ladder during the Origin period where they'll be close to full strength. 'Every game is important, but in this period during Origin, some sides have different issues with a few players away,' their coach said. 'We're not disrupted, so (we have) to keep it simple, prepare well and make sure we're ready to play during this period. 'After the Origin period, it's just a race to the finals. If you get this period right then you put yourself in with a chance.'
Scoop
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Blues Captain Tuipulotu Signs For Three More Years
Press Release – Blues After taking on the full-time captaincy in 2020, Tuipulotu has helped shape the culture of the club, culminating in the historic 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title. Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has re-signed with the club, and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), until the end of the 2028 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. One of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby, Tuipulotu's recommitment is a major moment for the club. A talismanic leader and cornerstone of the Blues forward pack, Tuipulotu's presence will remain central to the team's ambitions. Tuipulotu, who made his debut for the Blues in 2014, has since amassed over 100 caps for the club and established himself as one of the most dominant locks in Super Rugby. 'This club is home. I care deeply about the people, the jersey, and what it represents,' Tuipulotu said. 'I'm proud of what we've achieved, but I believe there's still more to come. I'm excited about the future and honoured to lead this team into the next chapter.' Standing at 1.98m, his imposing physicality and relentless work rate have long made him a key figure in both the Blues and All Blacks environments. After taking on the full-time captaincy in 2020, Tuipulotu has helped shape the culture of the club, culminating in the historic 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title. Despite suffering a serious injury late in the season, Tuipulotu returned in time to lead the team to victory in the Grand Final, a performance that epitomised his grit and character. Now aged 32, Tuipulotu's journey began at St Peter's College in Auckland before rising through the New Zealand Schools and Under 20s programmes. He made his All Blacks debut in 2014. Off the field, Tuipulotu has also been instrumental within the community as founder of the Blues Charitable Trust (BCT), a youth development charity on a mission to help rangatahi (young people) make informed choices and build brighter, more successful futures. Blues CEO Andrew Hore said Tuipulotu's re-signing represents much more than a just a contract extension. 'Patrick is the heartbeat of this team. He leads with integrity, plays with passion, and gives everything for the jersey,' he said. 'His decision to stay is a powerful endorsement of what we've built here at the Blues, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him with us through 2028.' NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said it was exciting to have Tuipulotu re-sign. 'Pat's resilience, dedication and consistency have been hallmarks of his career for the past decade, and he has grown into an influential leader in our game on and off the field. Committing to a further three years is testament to the passion and commitment Pat has for the teams and communities he represents, and his loyalty to New Zealand.' All Blacks Assistant Coach Jason Ryan added to the endorsement. 'Patty brings a wealth of experience and a calm, commanding presence that lifts the standard of everyone around him. His leadership on and off the field is immense and having a player of his calibre commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028 is fantastic news.' The Blues will begin preparations for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season later this year, with Tuipulotu once again set to lead from the front.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
Blues Captain Tuipulotu Signs For Three More Years
Press Release – Blues Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has re-signed with the club, and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), until the end of the 2028 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. One of the most respected figures in New Zealand rugby, Tuipulotu's recommitment is a major moment for the club. A talismanic leader and cornerstone of the Blues forward pack, Tuipulotu's presence will remain central to the team's ambitions. Tuipulotu, who made his debut for the Blues in 2014, has since amassed over 100 caps for the club and established himself as one of the most dominant locks in Super Rugby. 'This club is home. I care deeply about the people, the jersey, and what it represents,' Tuipulotu said. 'I'm proud of what we've achieved, but I believe there's still more to come. I'm excited about the future and honoured to lead this team into the next chapter.' Standing at 1.98m, his imposing physicality and relentless work rate have long made him a key figure in both the Blues and All Blacks environments. After taking on the full-time captaincy in 2020, Tuipulotu has helped shape the culture of the club, culminating in the historic 2024 Super Rugby Pacific title. Despite suffering a serious injury late in the season, Tuipulotu returned in time to lead the team to victory in the Grand Final, a performance that epitomised his grit and character. Now aged 32, Tuipulotu's journey began at St Peter's College in Auckland before rising through the New Zealand Schools and Under 20s programmes. He made his All Blacks debut in 2014. Off the field, Tuipulotu has also been instrumental within the community as founder of the Blues Charitable Trust (BCT), a youth development charity on a mission to help rangatahi (young people) make informed choices and build brighter, more successful futures. Blues CEO Andrew Hore said Tuipulotu's re-signing represents much more than a just a contract extension. 'Patrick is the heartbeat of this team. He leads with integrity, plays with passion, and gives everything for the jersey,' he said. 'His decision to stay is a powerful endorsement of what we've built here at the Blues, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him with us through 2028.' NZR General Manager Professional Rugby & Performance Chris Lendrum said it was exciting to have Tuipulotu re-sign. 'Pat's resilience, dedication and consistency have been hallmarks of his career for the past decade, and he has grown into an influential leader in our game on and off the field. Committing to a further three years is testament to the passion and commitment Pat has for the teams and communities he represents, and his loyalty to New Zealand.' All Blacks Assistant Coach Jason Ryan added to the endorsement. 'Patty brings a wealth of experience and a calm, commanding presence that lifts the standard of everyone around him. His leadership on and off the field is immense and having a player of his calibre commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028 is fantastic news.' The Blues will begin preparations for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season later this year, with Tuipulotu once again set to lead from the front.
