TONGAN THOR EYES ’27 CUP
WALLABIES prop Taniela Tupou has hinted at playing a season in Japan to freshen up for the 2027 World Cup.
With Australia confirmed as host for the 2027 tournament, Tupou wants to prolong his career to contribute to the Wallabies’ bid to be crowned world champions on home soil.
The Queensland Reds front-rower will be 31 come the tournament and joked he would be “too old” by then.
“I feel like I’m 30 now but hopefully I’m still playing good footy in 2027 and (Wallabies coach) Dave (Rennie) is still picking me,” Tupou said.
“I’d love to play in front of the fans at Suncorp Stadium in a World Cup. I know the feeling of playing there and it would be awesome.”
However, Tupou is yet et to make a decision on his future e beyond his current Reds and nd Rugby Australia contract ct that expires following g next year’s World Cup in n France.
“I have to make a deciision over the next few ew months, (either) staying ying here in Australia for the long run or go somewhere,” said Tupou, who will miss the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season with a calf injury.
“I need a break from Super Rugby. “If that means going to Japan and coming back, I don’t know. That’s up to my manager to work out.
“I’ve been here since 2014. I’d love to play 100 games for the Reds and who knows what I’m going to do after that.”
Australia was also confirmed as host of the 2029 Women’s World Cup. Rugby Australia chairman Hamish Mclennan said: “This is a historic day rugby in Australia. We’re beyond thrilled to be welcoming not one but two Rugby World Cups to our shores.
“It’s a game-changer for rugby in this country, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and secure the future of the sport here and see the game we all love grow and thrive for years to come.
“Today’s announcement is also the result of an incredible amount of hard work and co-operation from across the rugby community over many years. It is a project that has been a constant source of inspiration for our code through some challenging times in recent years.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said hosting two World Cups would present a great opportunity for the sport to grow in Australia.
“This is a chance to grow in every sense of the word, providing aspirational pathways and unprecedented investment and support for our players, from the grassroots to the elite, in our infrastructure and in our people,” Marinos said.
Australian Olympic Committee president Ian Chesterman welcomed the news, saying it was another major event on the “green-and-gold runway” to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
“This is massive for rugby as a sport and for Australia as a great destination for major world events. We know sports fans across Australia will be excited to have the world come to Australia,” he said.
Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said winning the World Cups would greatly benefit the economy.