Taulupe Faletau

Born on November 12, 1990, in Tofoa, Tonga, Taulupe Faletau was introduced to rugby at a young age after his family moved to Wales when his father, Kuli Faletau, signed with Ebbw Vale RFC. The move played a pivotal role in Taulupe developing his skills in rugby, which would later contribute to his successful rugby career at both the club and international levels.

Taulupe Faletau made his international debut for the Wales national rugby union team on March 27, 2011, in a match against the Barbarians. This debut was significant as it marked the beginning of a fruitful international career for Faletau, establishing him as one of the key players in the Welsh rugby squad over the coming years, contributing significantly to the team's successes in tournaments.

On March 17, 2012, Taulupe Faletau was part of the Wales national team that achieved the Six Nations Grand Slam. This historic victory occurred following their match against France, culminating a perfect championship where Wales won all of its matches. Playing as a number 8, Faletau was instrumental in Wales’s success, showcasing his skills and establishing himself as a crucial team member.

Taulupe Faletau was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2013. The tour was a significant milestone in his career as he played in the third test match, helping the Lions secure a series victory against the Wallabies. His performance was praised, showcasing his adaptability and skill at an international level, further enhancing his reputation as a top-tier rugby player.

Taulupe Faletau represented Wales in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals. Despite a loss against South Africa, Faletau's performance in this tournament was commendable, as he played an essential role of covering the field so extensively and contributing to both defense and attacking phases, reinforcing his status as a world-class player despite the team's exit.

In April 2016, Taulupe Faletau signed with Bath Rugby, marking a new chapter in his professional rugby career. The move from Newport Gwent Dragons allowed him to compete in the English Premiership, one of the most competitive leagues. His presence in Bath's lineup was expected to bolster their forward pack, bringing in his experience and skillset to the club, taking on new challenges and enriching the squad.

Faletau was once again selected for the British & Irish Lions tour, this time to New Zealand in 2017. He played in all three test matches against the All Blacks, with the series ending in a historic draw. Faletau's performance was pivotal throughout the tour - he notched up significant tackles and showed endurance and tactical intelligence, affirming his standing as one of the best forwards.

On May 8, 2019, Taulupe Faletau was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to a shoulder injury. This was a major disappointment for both Faletau and the Welsh team, as his presence on the field was highly valued for his experience and skill. The injury was a setback in his career, requiring a period of recovery and impacting his contributions in that year significantly.

On July 16, 2022, Faletau started for Wales in a test match against South Africa. His return to the team was significant following the series of injuries he had faced. Faletau contributed to Wales's competitiveness in the match, demonstrating his sustained capabilities and resilience, and reaffirming to fans and critics alike that he remained a key asset for the national squad.

Taulupe Faletau reached the milestone of 100 international caps for Wales on February 11, 2023, during a Six Nations match against Scotland. This remarkable achievement highlighted his durability and consistent performance over more than a decade. His career spans multiple tournaments and he has remained a crucial part of the Welsh squad throughout, earning the respect of teammates, fans, and opponents alike.