Glasgow Warriors and Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu has put pen to paper on a new deal at his club, subject to visa, it was announced on Monday.
The 25-year-old has impressed at Scotstoun since joining in 2021 and is very much part of Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend’s plans in this World Cup year.
Having hit the ground running on his debut against Ulster in the opening game of the 2021/22 season, Tuipulotu has made 30 appearances thus far for Glasgow.
His carrying and skill-set makes him one of the most exciting centres in the United Rugby Championship and he’ll hope to star for Scotland in the Six Nations.
Incredibly settled in Glasgow
“I’m really happy to be sticking around for the next couple of years,” Tuipulotu told Glasgow Warriors’ website following the announcement of his new contract.
“I’m incredibly settled here, and I’m really enjoying life not just with the club, but in the city in general.
“I tell a lot of people back home that Glasgow’s like my second home, and I can’t see myself living anywhere else. That was the most important thing for me, to be honest – if I’m enjoying life in the city, then I’m enjoying my rugby. The two go hand in hand for me.
“Glasgow reminds me a lot of Melbourne, where I grew up – apart from the weather, obviously! There’s always something going on and I’ve just settled in so well with the boys here.
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“I’ve got a lot of close friends that I’m very thankful for, and that’s a part of rugby that sometimes gets neglected – looking after the boys away from the training field is something that this club does so well, and I’m very thankful for that. I’m stoked to be sticking around.
“My main goal is to win something for Glasgow. When you’re walking around Scotstoun, you’re constantly bumping into guys who have won the league – guys like Pete Horne, Pete Murchie and Al Kellock. That motivates me to bring this club back to the top end of the league, and with the calibre of player we have here I truly believe that this club is capable of something special.”
Big part of Warriors’ plans
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith was equally delighted with the deal as he sees Tuipulotu as having a huge future at the Scottish side moving forward.
“We’re pleased to be able to secure Sione’s services for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“He’s someone that forms a big part of our plans for the future – he’s really bought into what we are doing here and he’s become a big leader within our playing group. He’s contributing a lot and he shows that he carries his heart on his sleeve every time he steps onto the pitch for us.
“Above that, too, he’s a hard worker and a top-rate person, and someone that is always eager to learn and improve. We’re looking forward to working with him closely over the rest of this season and beyond.”