Charles Piutau

Four Pasifika players named in World XV side

Tonga's Ikale Tahi squad members Israel Folau and Charles Piutau will be joined by Fijians, Wallaby winger Marika Koroibete and Flying Fijians centre Semi Radradra.

They have been named by former World Cup-winning All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen reports RNZ Pacific.

Koroibete won the John Eales Medal for the second time last month and Jones will get a close look at how a coach of Hansen's standing plans to go about neutralising one of his key weapons.

The May 28 fixture will see Barbarians coach Eddie Jones also using Tonga's Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau.

Charles Piutau set to launch rugby's first NFT

Those magic feet of his, so often used to make other rugby players look foolish, have tiptoed outside. His fleeting thought to me as our call begins is that he hopes it doesn’t rain.

His brow furrows as we talk about Bristol and how things are going. The turnaround from the side so dazzling for the last couple of seasons is flummoxing. With just Bath beneath them in the Premiership table, before the EPCR postponement news of their fixture with Stade Francais, Bristol were no doubt trying to realise some form in Europe, helped by a Covid pass in the first round.

Piutau and Purdy to miss Challenge Cup final, injury doubts over some other Bristol players

Full-back Piutau and wing Purdy have been sidelined for recent Bristol games because of achilles and hamstring injuries, respectively. Max Malins wore the No15 shirt against Wasps, with Piers O’Conor on the wing.

“There are a few niggles we have got to overcome before Friday, so I have given the guys as much time as possible. Obviously, Nathan Hughes and Chris Vui from the weekend, but the game has come too early for Charles Piutau and Henry Purdy,” said Bristol boss Lam

Ex-All Black Charles Piutau wants to play for Tonga

The 26-year-old earned 17 test caps for New Zealand between 2013 and 2015, but was overlooked for the last World Cup squad after signing for Ulster.

He is set to become world rugby's highest-paid player when he switches to English club Bristol next season, where older brother and 'Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau is already on the books.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said the former Tonga Under 20s representative was keen and would add real quality.

Piutau roots not forgotten

The 25-year-old could now be at the peak of his powers and dominating the international game while continuing to wear the silver fern with pride, however, it's a far different path which he is now travelling.

The decision to leave NZ and play overseas is going to reap mighty financial benefits for Piutau, a talented and powerful outside back who will become the sport's first million-pound man when he leaves Ulster at the end of the season to join Bristol.

Charles Piutau explains why he picked Bristol Rugby over the All Blacks

Piutau, 25, will swap Ulster for Bristol next summer after signing a two-year deal which is expected to make him one of the best paid players in the world. A title he already holds, earning a reported £500,000 a season in Ulster.

In an interview with the Press Association, Piutau explained why he opted for Bristol and a big payday rather than adding to his 17 New Zealand caps. A decision which did not come lightly.

Piutau set for massive payday with Bristol

The British Telegraph is reporting that Piutau has signed a deal with Championship side Bristol worth nearly $2 million.

The newspaper says Piutau's contract is worth $1.8m a year.

The 16-test All Black will join the English club at the 2018/19 season after signed a two-year deal.

He currently has one year left on his deal with Irish province Ulster.

It puts Piutau in the league of former All Black Dan Carter for pay.

Piutau advocates for Pacific rugby players in Europe

The 17-test All Black is currently plying his trade for Irish side Ulster and is the first Pro12 representative on the board, providing a voice for players of Pacific heritage in Ireland, Scotland, Wales & Italy.

The 25-year-old said he was excited about the prospect of helping improve conditions for Pacific Islanders and their families abroad.

Piutau claims World Cup snub over Ulster move

The All Blacks went out of their way to include the injured Waisake Naholo in the squad for the tournament, leaving in-form utility Piutau on the sidelines.

Piutau told the Daily Mail that All Blacks coach Steve Hansen told him his move to Ireland was not the reason for his omission, but the former Blues back remains unconvinced.

"It's human to have those 'what ifs'," he said.

"I gave everything I could to be selected. I knew there was a possibility that moving could affect my chances.