Taniela Tupou has signed a two-year deal to stay in Australia but is quitting the Queensland Reds to join the Melbourne Rebels from 2024.
Rugby Australia has granted Tupou’s demand to “show me the money” with a multi-million dollar deal.
Tupou is very unlikely to play for the Reds again after suffering an Achilles injury on the Spring Tour against Ireland. The Wallabies are hoping he is back in time for the Rugby Championship in a bid to prove fitness for the World Cup.
Tupou is off contract at the end of 2023 and was considered a flight risk. He has spoken openly about wanting to play in Japan and last year challenged RA to pay what was necessary to make him stay.
“Show me the money – I’m joking … I’m not joking though – c’mon (Dave) Rennie,” Tupou said last year.
“I’ve loved it, am so grateful for the Reds, they really trust me and I think I gave my all every year.
“This year, next year I’ll do everything I can to help this team win and we’ll see how we go after that.”
On Tuesday he was doing promotional work for the Reds.
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