Chiefs sign Kiwi Tamati Tua

Exeter Chiefs have added powerful centre and former Junior All Black, Tamati Tua to their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 season.

The talented New Zealander makes the switch to the Gallagher Premiership from Australian Super Rugby side, ACT Brumbies for whom he made 31 appearances and scored five tries.

The pacey centre is looking forward to testing himself in a new league alongside new teammates.

“I’ve always wanted to play overseas, and I had heard good things about the club from coaches and boys that had played in the Premiership before.

“I’m excited to be here and I’d like to do what I can to help to get more trophies in the cabinet.”

Growing up in Kaitaia in north New Zealand, the talented youngster started his rugby journey at a young age before his senior career began in 2016 with National Provincial Championship side, Northland.

Following strong performances for Northland in over 60 appearances, his talent was recognised by Super Rugby side, Blues. They signed him to his first top-flight contract and gave him his debut in 2018 against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Moving to the Brumbies top squad in 2023, he soon formed a deadly partnership with Len Ikitau in the backline. A lethal threat with pace, Tua will be looking to use his skills to compliment the competitive edge of Chiefs centres Henry Slade and Joe Hawkins.

Director of Rugby Rob Baxter is pleased to have added depth to a key position in the Chiefs’ backline.

“People will be aware that centre is a position that we’ve had great strength in over a number of years. Through age, and players moving on, that’s slowly changed in terms of experience. We’ve got some great young players in that position now with guys like Zack Wimbush, Ben Hammerlsey and Tommy Wyatt being able to play there, and a guy like Nick Lilley who has played England age-grades.

“So, we’ve got good players but they’re younger and slightly inexperienced, so it’s an area we’ve been wanting to strengthen. We had a really good look at Tamati as he was playing very well for ACT Brumbies – he played right through to the late stages of the season – with him being one of their stand-out players.

“Unfortunately, he’s arrived with a neck issue which he picked up towards the end of last season’s campaign, so we’re now in a position where we’ve had to address that and it’s likely that he’ll need an operation shortly which will require a period of rehab.

“So, unfortunately he’s going to miss the start of the season for us, but we’re very confident he’ll be back on the pitch fairly early in the season and will be a player that will bring an awful lot to how we want to play, both in attack and defence.”