Saimone Taumoepeau
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| Saimone Taumoepeau | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | December 21, 1979 | ||
| Place of birth | Ha'apai, Tonga | ||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Weight | 111 kg (17 st 7 lb) | ||
| School | Tupou College Tonga | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | Prop Hooker | ||
| Clubs | |||
| Auckland Marist | |||
| Provincial/State sides | Caps | (points) | |
| 2004-2007 | Auckland | 32 | (20) |
| Super Rugby | |||
| 2005-2007 |  Blues |
23 | (5) |
| National team(s) | |||
| 2004-2005 | All Blacks |
3 | (5) |
Saimone Taumoepeau is a professional rugby union player in New Zealand. Born 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.
Taumoepeau has signed with Toulon and will join them after the 2007 New Zealand season.
