Viliami Pasilio Tosi, born on 18 July 1998 in Levin, New Zealand, is a professional rugby union player who represents the All Blacks as a tighthead prop.
He is known for his powerful scrummaging, work rate, ball-carrying ability, and versatility after transitioning from a loose forward role.
Of Tongan heritage, Tosi grew up in a humble household where his parents, Pahulu (also known as Nick or Viliami Pahulu) and Foulata, worked as vegetable farmers.
His mother Foulata passed away in 2015.
He attended Horowhenua College before spending three years in the Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV.
Tosi currently plays for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific and Bay of Plenty in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), having extended his commitment to New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes through 2028.
Siblings
Pasilio Tosi is the oldest of four siblings. He has two younger brothers, Nicholas and Tupo, along with a younger sister named Cella.
Growing up, the family dynamics shifted over time; as the eldest, he has spoken about moving from a more teasing role in childhood toward supporting and wanting the best for his siblings.
He has referenced calling his sister in key personal moments, such as around his All Blacks selection.
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Career
Tosi began his senior career as a loose forward, primarily at number 8, with Southland in the NPC from 2018 to 2020, making seven appearances while playing club rugby for Marist in Invercargill.
Opportunities were limited there, and he has credited his partner Michelle with encouraging a move that proved pivotal.
In 2021 he joined Bay of Plenty, where he transitioned to the prop position under guidance that helped refine his scrummaging.
Strong performances earned him a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes from 2022 onward, where he gradually increased his involvement, including notable contributions such as a game-winning try in extra time against the Queensland Reds in 2024.
He made his All Blacks debut on 20 July 2024 (or nearby dates in some reports) coming off the bench against Fiji in San Diego during the Steinlager series, becoming All Black number 1219.
He has since accumulated multiple Test caps, primarily as a tighthead prop (often from the bench), scoring at least one try, and featured in Rugby Championship and other international matches.
Tosi has also played club rugby for teams including Greerton Marist and Paremata-Plimmerton.
By 2026 he had established himself further with the Hurricanes, including reaching significant appearance milestones.
Accolades
Tosi was part of the Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV that won the national Top Four championship in 2015.
At club level with Marist in Southland he contributed to Galbraith Shield titles.
With Paremata-Plimmerton he helped secure their first Swindale Shield and reach a Jubilee Cup final.
His most prominent team success came in 2026 when he featured in the Hurricanes squad that won the Super Rugby Pacific title, defeating the Chiefs 60-5 in the final.
Internationally, selection for the All Blacks in 2024 under coach Scott Robertson marked a major milestone for a player who had largely come off the bench earlier in his Super Rugby career, and he has contributed to high win rates in Tests while earning recognition for his physical impact and development as a front-rower.
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