SUFC are delighted to appoint former Tongan International, Teki Tuipulotu as Head Coach of our Women’s program for 2022.
Teki who made 50 appearances for his country between 1994-2003, including three Rugby World Cup campaigns, is now a highly regarded coach, having experience at all levels of the game including Schools rugby, Club rugby and with the Tongan National team (Ikale Tahi) as Head Coach of 7s and XV’s Assistant Coach.
Teki’s professional European playing experience at Leeds (78 caps between 1996-99) and Worcester (58 caps between 1999-02) provided great exposure to international coaches, training systems and game models. Teki has taken these experiences and given back to the game in differing coaching roles including; 1st Grade Head Coach at Penrith (2013-15), Director of Rugby Hills Sports High School – schoolboys & schoolgirls rugby (2018-current), and Rugby Director at St Andrews Cathedral School – schoolboys and schoolgirls rugby (2019-current).
Teki joined SUFC ahead of the 2021 season, supporting the development of players and growth of both the Women’s XV’s and 7’s programs. As well as Head Coach of the Women’s 2nd XV (that finished the season third) he also supported the Shute Shield 7’s team and the girls Junior State Championship teams at both 7s and XVs, the later who won the inaugural U16’s Girls tournament.
Having coached at all levels of the game, from grassroots to international competition, Teki has the skills and experience to lead our diverse Women’s program. During his time with the Club, Teki has demonstrated patience, professionalism, first-class communication skills and the passion to inspire players.
Teki expressed his excitement at the appointment “SUFC and the Women’s rugby program is the most prestige and elite in the country. The Club is run with complete professionalism and the results over the past few years speak for themselves. To be appointed Head Coach of SUFC’s women’s program is certainly a great honour and privilege. I fully accept the responsibility to develop the team as a collective, as well as the individual players to ensure the continued growth of the next generation of women’s players.
As a coach, I’m very passionate and orthodox, I have coached at many levels of the game over the past 20 years and see this appointment as one of my greatest achievements. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with the Club, while also learning from the quality coaches and staff at hand.”
Executive General Manager, Jack Farrer commented on the appointment, “Teki’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment to provide a learning environment for players of wide-ranging ability and playing experience was a key consideration for the upcoming 2022 season.
With a significant number of senior players involved in the Wallaroos Rugby World Cup campaign, there is great opportunity for the next generation of SUFC women’s players. Teki’sexperience leading the development of emerging players ensures the program is well positioned to evolve.
Teki and Claudia will form a formidable combination to lead the SUFC Women’s program.”
The Jack Scott Cup draw will be released shortly, with the season due to kick off on 30 April.