Ben Tameifuna

Benjamin Vainga Charles Tameifuna (Tongan: [dɑːmeɪfʊnɑː]; born 30 August 1991) is a professional rugby union player who plays as a prop for Top 14 club Bordeaux Bègles. Born in New Zealand, he represents Tonga at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.[1]

Ben Tameifuna
Full nameBenjamin Vainga Charles Tameifuna
Date of birth (1991-08-30) 30 August 1991
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Height1.82 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight151 kg (333 lb; 23 st 11 lb)
SchoolHastings Boys' High School
Notable relative(s)Sona Taumalolo (uncle)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Current team Bordeaux Bègles
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2012 Hawke's Bay 14 (5)
2012–2015 Chiefs 65 (45)
2013–2015 Waikato 21 (10)
2015–2020 Racing 92 106 (25)
2020– Bordeaux Bègles 74 (25)
Correct as of 28 August 2023
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011 New Zealand U20 4 (5)
2017– Tonga 30 (10)
Correct as of 28 August 2023

Club career

Tameifuna made his Hawke Bay's debut as a teenager in 2010.[2] He represented the New Zealand under 20s at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship,[3] and in March 2012 he made his Chiefs debut after an injury sidelined Ben Afeaki.[2] In 2013, he signed a contract extension with the Chiefs until 2014.[4]

After four years with the Chiefs, in June 2015 Tameifuna signed with Racing 92, who changed their name from Racing Metro in the same month. They are based in Paris and are part of the French Top 14.[5]

On 14 May 2020, Tameifuna left Racing 92 to sign for French rivals Bordeaux from the 2020–21 season.[6]

International career

In May 2012 he was selected for the All Blacks[7][8] to train for the three Test series against Ireland. At over 130 kg, he was the heaviest member of the All Black squad. Tameifuna was not capped for New Zealand.

Tameifuna made his international debut for Tonga against Wales on 16 June 2017. Tameifuna was first in their squad for the 2016 European tour but was not capped on that tour.[9]

Personal life

Tameifuna's uncle Sona Taumalolo was another Chiefs prop, who also played for Tonga at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.[10] In July 2012, with hooker Mahonri Schwalger from Samoa, the two props combined for 60 minutes to help the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 20–17, at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.[11] When Tameifuna signed to play in France, Taumalolo was already playing there, for FC Grenoble.[12]

Honours
Racing 92

References
  1. "Loyalty and youth in All Blacks training squad". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax. Agence France-Presse. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  2. Pegden, Evan (1 March 2012). "Chiefs replacements young, gifted and large". Rugby Heaven. Fairfax. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  3. "New Zealand Rugby Under 20 squad named | New Zealand News UK". nznewsuk.co.uk. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  4. "Chiefs re-sign six players" (Press release). Chiefs. 23 June 2013. Archived from the original on 28 December 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
  5. "Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna has confirmed his shift to French rugby club Racing Metro later this year". TVNZ. 16 June 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  6. "Bordeaux-Begles confirm the signing of one of the biggest props the world's ever seen". Rugby Pass. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  7. "All Blacks seven new caps" (Press release). All Blacks and NZ Rugby. 3 June 2012. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  8. "Three rookies bring Chiefs All Blacks to six". Rugby Heaven. Fairfax. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  9. "Sport: Tonga make mass changes for November rugby tour". 6 October 2016.
  10. Mortimer, James (28 February 2012). "Ben Tameifuna could be called up by Chiefs" (Press release). All Blacks and NZ Rugby. Archived from the original on 31 May 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2012.
  11. "SA Rugby Match Centre – Chiefs 20–17 Crusaders". South African Rugby Union. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  12. "Grenoble keep Setephano, Taumalolo". Planet Rugby. 18 February 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  13. "Racing 92 beat Toulon to win Top 14 Rugby title". rugbyweek.com. 25 June 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
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