SISILIA TU’IPULOTU

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Over the years, many women have had to fight their cause over a long period of time, to gain their deserved recognition. Sisilia Tu’ipulotu does not fall into this category – and it’s only the beginning of her story. Although Tu’ipulotu comes from a family with heralded rugby heritage, 19 year old Sisilia did not pick up a rugby ball until she was 16 years old, which makes her 12 cap and four try haul so far on the international stage – even more remarkable. “My father (Sione) won 29 caps for Tonga and owing to his schooling, my brother Kepu has recently represented England schools. Carwyn, my cousin, plays for the Scarlets and Taulupe, another cousin of mine, has represented Wales 100 times. Like many families of Tongan descent, I have many relatives and the Vunipola brothers, who are household names in English rugby, are also closely related to me. “My family didn’t want me to play rugby initially and I actually played netball for Wales at U16 level. However, there’s no denying that rugby is in my blood – and as soon as I’d played in my first game for Hereford College – I was hooked.

Tu’ipulotu started off as a number 8 for Hereford but was soon moved to the second row as soon as she’d signed for Gloucester Hartpury – which earned her an international call-up and her debut cap in Dublin during the 2022 Six Nations. On the Summer Tour to Canada, Head Coach Ioan Cunningham decided to convert her to a prop and it’s certainly proved to be an inspired decision so far, as Tu’ipulotu rampaged her way to four tries in this season’s TikTok Six Nations and secured her place in the Team of the Tournament in the process. “People say that I’m quiet off the field, but I love the physical aspect of the game. I really find that I’ve found my best position at tighthead. I am naturally strong but am working on my technique on a daily basis to become the best player that I can be.” Tu’ipulotu has benefitted from becoming a recipient of a full-time contract from the Welsh Rugby Union and is certainly enjoying life. “Had you told me less than three years ago that I’d not only be playing for Wales but also earning my living from the game – I wouldn’t have believed you. I feel very privileged to be in this position and want to do everything that I can to fulfil my potential.

“If we want to compete with the best – we need to play the best teams on a regular basis and learn from them. We have improved a lot since 25 of us have become full-time professionals with the WRU. It’s now up to us to improve further and to do our best for our country.” Sisilia Tu’ipulotu is certainly a rising star in World Rugby. She embraces her Tongan and Welsh heritage in equal measures and bashfully accepts that she is quickly becoming a role model for young girls and women from all walks of life in Wales. Although Tu’ipulotu’s hugely promising career is in its early days, she is already thinking of her future beyond rugby and is hoping to continue her Forensic Psychology studies at the University of Gloucestershire. “I love the opportunities that rugby is giving me, but I also need to think of what I’d like to do after my career comes to an end.

“It’s great that young girls are now taking an interest in rugby and I’d encourage each and every one of them to follow their dreams. Give it everything that you have and make sure that you enjoy the journey – I certainly am!"