Taniela Tupou

One of the most destructive scrummagers of his generation, Taniela Tupou is a tighthead prop whose explosive power earned him the nickname 'Tongan Thor'. Born in Tonga on 10 May 1996 and raised in New Zealand and Australia, he grew into an Australia international front-rower before making the move to French heavyweights Racing 92, adding ballast and dynamism to their Top 14 pack. Tupou's game is built on raw physicality: he is a punishing ball-carrier capable of breaking the gain line from close range, a disruptive force at scrum time, and a surprisingly mobile presence around the field for a man of his size. After establishing himself in Super Rugby, he became a regular figure on the international stage, featuring at the highest level of the Test game. At Racing 92 he is relied upon to anchor the set-piece and provide go-forward, qualities that make him a cornerstone of the team's forward effort in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.