Rugby Heaven: Why Taniela Tupou's bombshell move 'changes everything' for Rebels
Former Wallaby Stephen Hoiles believes Taniela Tupou's bombshell move is the "biggest signing" in the history of the Melbourne Rebels, exceeding those of Quade Cooper and Will Genia.
Tupou's defection from the Queensland Reds from 2024 was confirmed on Friday morning with the prop also re-signing with Rugby Australia through to 2025.
The 26-year-old made his Wallabies debut in 2017 in Edinburgh against Scotland and has gone on to represent Australia in 47 Tests.
Watch the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off on February 24 on the home of rugby, Stan Sport. All matches streaming ad free, live and on demand
Australia's Taniela Tupou and Angus Bell celebrate after defeating France. AP
"That is the biggest signing because of the position he plays," Hoiles said on Stan Sport's Rugby Heaven.
"You can sign Quade, you can sign Genia but if you have a world class tighthead - it changes everything. As an Australian rugby fan, to be able to keep him - there would have been 20 clubs in Europe that would have had a million bucks a year to spend on him. So it's a big win."
Tupou has likely played his last game for the Reds after tearing his Achilles while playing for the Wallabies against Ireland last year.
READ MORE: Gus' rattled reaction to 'ominous' Murray threat
READ MORE: Waratahs 'wonder boy' handed Super Rugby debut
READ MORE: Secret Aussie Formula 1 swap deal revealed
He is hopeful of being fit in time for this year's Rugby World Cup.
"Taniela has the potential to be the best tighthead prop in the world and it's great he's staying in Australian rugby," Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said.
"Alongside Allan Alaalatoa, we have the opportunity for a world class 80 minutes at tighthead prop and that's outstanding for the Wallabies."
NEW PODCAST! Sean Maloney and Morgan Turinui preview the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season with the coaches and captains from the five Australian teams
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson was understandably thrilled.
"To have someone of Taniela's calibre join the Melbourne Rebels is exciting news for our loyal members and fans, and the wider Victorian community," Stephenson said.
"In a city built on sporting excellence, Taniela's signing enhances our efforts to grow our game across Victoria... adding such a world class player to our club next season will only strengthen our program and help us build on 2023."
Eddie Jones' remarkable career in pictures: Wallabies coach's tortured Rugby World Cup history
