NZ Herald Sports News Update | Negotiations unresolved between coach Donna Wilkins and the Tactix, and Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth is axed for Saturday's Wellington rematch.
Unfinished business and the desire to play at the 2027 Rugby World Cup were the main motivators for Quinn Tupaea re-signing with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old’s new deal will see him stick around until the end of the 2027 season, joininga plethora of fellow All Blacks who have re-signed in recent months, including Chiefs teammates Wallace Sititi, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown.
Tupaea earned an All Blacks recall for July’s test series against France, ending a near three-year exile after dropping down the pecking order after a serious knee injury.
During the first Bledisloe Cup test in 2022, a reckless tackle by Wallabies lock Darcy Swain left him with a ruptured medial cruciate ligament (MCL) and a partial tear of his left knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), forcing him into a long recovery period.
He made his return to the Chiefs in 2024, but struggled for confidence before hitting top gear this season, earning a call-up to Scott Robertson’s side where he’s featured four times.
Quinn Tupaea suffered a serious injury in the first test. Photo / photosport.nz
Despite receiving offers from overseas, playing at the next World Cup in two years time, and helping the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific were key in the reasons for staying.
“Rugby’s a business at the end of the day, and there’s always going to be offers from overseas, and when you see them it’s enticing,” Tupaea said.
“But ultimately I had a bit of unfinished business here with wanting to get into the black jersey again, and win a championship for my club, that was the big reason for staying.
“I’ve had good conversations with my family and partner [about] where I wanted to be, at my age and stage of my career. I feel like I’ve still got a lot to add here in New Zealand, so I’m pretty happy to stay.”
Chiefs coach Jono Gibbes said he was excited to have Tupaea around for two more years, as he prepares for his first season at the helm.
“Quinn is a unique player and his resilience, passion and leadership over the past few years has shown the kind of character he is,” Gibbes said.
“To see what he’s overcome and return to perform at such a high level speaks to his commitment to the jersey, his team and the community.
“We’re thrilled to have him re-sign and continue to be a big part of the future.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
