TUIPULOTU PUTS WALLABIES ABOVE SCOTLAND

MOSESE TUIPULOTU has slammed the door firmly shut on switching his allegiances to Scotland for at least the next two years. Like his Scotland international brother Sione, Mosese was born in Australia but is Scottish-qualified through his Greenock-born grandmother. Mosese knocked back an approach from head coach Gregor Townsend in March to consider moving to Glasgow Warriors with a view to following his older brother in playing for Scotland. And the 22-year-old, who has not been capped by Australia yet, has signed a new two-year deal to remain with the New South Wales Waratahs and pursue his Wallabies dream. Scottish Rugby had put a deal on the table of around £125,000 a year, which was roughly three times the salary he was on as a young player at the Waratahs. After hearing about Scotland’s interest, the Sydney side made a counter offer and have convinced Tuipulotu to stay put. The Australian rugby union are still licking their wounds over losing Sione to Scotland. A former Australian Under-20 player, he left the Melbourne Rebels for Yamaha Jubilo in Japan before being spotted by Townsend, who recommended him to Glasgow. Within three weeks of signing, he was handed his first Scotland cap against Tonga in October 2021. Mosese admitted the chance to represent Scotland did hold some appeal to him but insists he is focused on trying to break into the Wallabies squad. ‘I’ve made a decision. I’m going to stay here,’ he said. ‘I love this club and they’ve done a lot for me, so I’m happy to stay and obviously pursue that dream.’

If Australia coach Eddie Jones doesn’t select him, he hasn’t ruled out representing Scotland in future — but would only consider it when his Waratahs contract runs out. ‘I think just in the point of my career, I’m just not really sold on going (to Scotland) yet,’ said Tuipulotu. ‘Whether that happens in the future, I don’t know. But I’m really happy at this club and I love playing footy. ‘I grew up watching the Wallabies, so I’d love to wear the gold jersey. Obviously, I’ve got Scottish heritage as well, so if I wear that jersey in the future, then I’d be happy to represent my culture.’