Siale Piutau

Siale Piutau (born 13 October 1985) is a New Zealand-born Tongan rugby union centre who represents Bristol in the English Premiership. Although born and educated in New Zealand, he represented Tonga internationally from 2011 to 2019. He is the elder brother of New Zealand player Charles Piutau.

Siale Piutau
Piutau in 2011
Birth nameSiale Piutau
Date of birth (1985-10-13) 13 October 1985
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight97 kg (15 st 4 lb)
SchoolWesley College
Notable relative(s)Charles Piutau (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Bristol
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012–2016
2016
2017−
Yamaha Júbilo
Wasps
Bristol
54
12
45
(85)
(5)
(10)
Correct as of 10 February
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006–2011 Counties Manukau 50 (35)
Correct as of 3 August 2011
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010
2011–2012
Chiefs
Highlanders
1
19
(0)
(15)
Correct as of 6 July 2012
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011–2019 Tonga 43 (32)
Correct as of 13 October 2019

Piutau was selected as Tonga's captain for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and announced his retirement from international rugby, after a win against the USA.

Playing career

Provincial Rugby

Piutau joined Counties Manukau during the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup. Over the ensuing few seasons, his solid game on both sides of the ball cemented his place in midfield for the Steelers.

Lining up next to former All Black Tana Umaga in midfield, Piutau was in the 2010 ITM Cup for the Steelers. He started every game for Counties, and was one of the club's top performers over the course of the season. As a reward for his efforts, he was named the 2010 Counties Manukau Player of the Year. His season was also highlighted by the earning of his 50th cap for Counties in the final game of the year.

Super Rugby

Piutau was included in the Chiefs Wider Training Group for the 2010 Super 14 season, and made his Super Rugby debut as a substitute late in the season after a rash of injuries hit the Chiefs backs.

For the 2011 Super 15 season, Piutau was signed by the Highlanders and emerged as a key squad member, making 13 starts and scoring 3 tries. In 2012, he was limited by injuries and made only 5 appearances. Following the season, he left New Zealand to sign in Japan.

Japan

For the 2012–13 season, Piutau signed with Yamaha Jubilo of the Top League in Japan.

Wasps

He signed for Wasps RFC on 4 February 2016 for the remainder of the 2015/2016 season. He made his debut in the 64–23 victory over Saracens F.C. on 14 February 2016.

Bristol

After returning from his loan spell at Wasps, Piutau returned to Japan, and Yamaha Jubilo. He signed to play for Bristol in the Greene King IPA Championship, initially on a short-term deal, which was later extended to a permanent contract, in December 2016.

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