Taulupe Faletau, born Tangaki Taulupe Faletau on November 12, 1990, in Tofoa, Tonga, is a Welsh professional rugby union player widely regarded as one of the finest number eights in the sport.
Known professionally as Taulupe but often called Toby by friends and fans, he moved to Wales at the age of seven when his father, Kuli Faletau, a Tongan international rugby player, joined Ebbw Vale in 1997.
Growing up in Pontypool, Faletau’s school friends struggled to pronounce his Tongan name, leading to the adoption of the nickname Toby, though he later reverted to using Taulupe in his professional career.
A back row forward, he plays for Cardiff Rugby in the United Rugby Championship and has been a mainstay of the Wales national team since his debut in 2011.
Siblings
Taulupe has two siblings, a brother named Siua and a sister named Fipe.
The Faletau family moved from Tonga to Wales to provide better educational opportunities for the children, with Taulupe, Siua, and Fipe joining their father Kuli after he initially relocated alone to play rugby for Ebbw Vale.
Career
Faletau’s rugby journey began in Wales, where he played junior rugby for Ebbw Vale RFC and New Panteg RFC alongside childhood friends Mako and Billy Vunipola, whom he considers cousins due to their families’ close ties.
His talent was evident early on, and after moving to Filton College in Bristol to study and play in their rugby academy, he caught the attention of English clubs like Sale Sharks, though regulations prevented him from joining their academy.
Faletau made his professional debut for Newport Gwent Dragons on November 1, 2009, against Edinburgh, after loan spells with Newport RFC and Cross Keys RFC.
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His breakout came at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where his performances silenced critics who questioned his experience.
He joined Bath Rugby in 2016, spending six years in the English Premiership before returning to Wales to play for Cardiff Rugby in 2022.
Internationally, Faletau debuted for Wales against the Barbarians in June 2011 and has since earned over 100 caps, becoming the eighth Welsh player to reach this milestone in 2023.
Accolades
Faletau has won three Six Nations titles with Wales, including a Grand Slam in 2012, and was a key figure in their 2013 championship victory, notably in the 30–3 win over England.
A three-time British and Irish Lions tourist, he played in the 2013 tour to Australia, starting the decisive third Test, and was a standout in the 2017 tour to New Zealand, scoring a try in the second Test and playing every minute of the series.
He was also selected for the 2021 Lions tour to South Africa.
Faletau’s individual brilliance was recognized with a Man of the Match award against the New Zealand Barbarians in 2017 and another against Argentina in 2013.
At the 2011 Rugby World Cup, he made 83 tackles without missing a single one, setting a tournament record.
In 2018, he captained Wales for the first time against Italy, becoming the 131st player to lead the national team.
His contributions to Cardiff Rugby and his role in Newport Gwent Dragons’ run to the 2014–15 European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-finals further highlight his impact.
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