Tu’inukuafe joins Blues on a three-year deal

HAVING gone from part-time nightclub bouncer to an All Black jersey in a few months, prop Karl Tu’inukuafe knows a good deal more about life outside rugby than the young talents who typically travel New Zealand’s elite pathways to the big-time.

That life experience was just one of the qualities that proved attractive to Tana Umaga’s Blues, who announced yesterday that they had snapped up the 25-year-old on a three-year deal.

The Blues beat the Highlanders to the signature of a player who made his international debut against France during the June Tests and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most promising loosehead props.

But only months ago he was barely known to anyone outside of Auckland, where he played for provincial side North Harbour and supplemented his income by working for a security firm.

After being called up by Super Rugby side the Chiefs after injuries gutted their front row stocks, Tu’inukuafe was so impressive that All Black coach Steve Hansen came calling. Umaga, desperate to turn around the ailing Blues, hopes Tu’inukuafe can prove similarly inspiring in a Blues jumper.

“(Umaga) was just talking (to me) about experiences, I guess,” Tu’inukuafe told reporters yesterday.

“There are a lot of young guys in the team, some of them probably haven’t had as much life experience as others, like myself.

“I didn’t really turn professional until I was 23. I guess I was living life outside of rugby before, so maybe I bring a different type of experience.”

Joining the Blues means a return home to Auckland, his birthplace and home of his wife’s family.

He will also be reunited with his North Harbour coach and close mentor Tom Coventry, who has been appointed the Blues’ forwards coach next season.

Coventry was instrumental in turning Tu’inukuafe’s fortunes around after his weight ballooned to 170kg in 2014, prompting stern warnings from doctors.

“The turning point was definitely my health issues,” he said.

“The doctor said to lose weight. Pretty much the easiest thing I could think of was playing rugby with my brothers and my cousins, that’s why I decided to get back (to the game).”

Although sporting a handlebar moustache, a shaved head and an imposing frame common for nightclub security types, the Blues contract means he is unlikely to need to stand doors again. – Reuters