Stade Toulousain signs Jimmy Tupou

Stade Toulousain has signed Jimmy Tupou to strengthen their lock position, as reported by L'Équipe. The 34-year-old player has agreed to join the club and is expected to arrive in Toulouse next week to help fill the gap left by injured teammates.

Tupou’s rugby background

Tupou previously played for Moana Pasifika and has experience in Super Rugby with teams like the Crusaders, the Blues, and the Chiefs. He joined the Crusaders in 2013 and played alongside notable players such as Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.

International career with Tonga

After playing for New Zealand at the under-20 level, Tupou switched allegiance to Tonga. He earned his first cap with Tonga in 2025 at the age of 33 and has since played three matches, all starting in the team. His most recent appearance featured a notable foot pass that led to a try for Taniela Filimone.

Performance in NPC 2026

In the NPC 2026 season, Tupou played 10 matches for Counties Manukau, totaling 582 minutes. He was a consistent performer, making 92 tackles, scoring two tries, and achieving a 100% pass success rate. He also contributed in the scrum and was effective in both defense and attack.