Saimone Taumoepeau
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Saimone Taumoepeau | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Saimone Taumoepeau | |||
| Date of birth | December 21, 1979 (age 26) | ||
| Place of birth | Ha'apai, Tonga | ||
| Height | 1.86 m | ||
| Weight | 105 kg | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Position | Prop | ||
| Amateur clubs | |||
| Auckland Marist | |||
| correct as of 1 Sept 2006. | |||
| Provincial/State sides | Caps | (points) | |
| 2004-current | Auckland | 32 | (20) |
| correct as of 9 September 2006. | |||
| Super Rugby | |||
| 2005-current | Blues | 20 | |
| correct as of 9 September 2006. | |||
| National team(s) | |||
| 2004-2005 | New Zealand | 3 | (5) |
| correct as of 1 Sept 2006. | |||
| Other Information | |||
| School attended | Tupou College Tonga | ||
Saimone Taumoepeau is a professional rugby union player in New Zealand. Born in the Ha'apai group in Tonga, Taumoepeau emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 20. He first made his name as a loosehead prop and but also debut as a hooker for the Junior All Blacks. He plays his rugby for Auckland at provincial level and the Blues at Super 14 level. Taumoepeau was a shock selection in the 2004 end-of-year All Blacks squad after having only debut that season in provincial rugby Air New Zealand Cup and having yet to play Super Rugby.
While considered to be on the smaller side of the scale compared to most international props in terms of physical size, Taumoepeau has made a reputation for being a devastating scrummager via technique and brute strength. He has also proven to be a reliable hooker for both Auckland, the Blues and at Junior All Blacks level.
Taumoepeau's older brother Tevita played for Bay of Plenty, North Harbour and the Blues. Tevita now plays for Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership.
