Manawatū Turbo Josh Taula knows Super Rugby Pacific is going to be a big step up, but he’s excited to take on the challenge.   

The Hurricanes recently announced that they had signed the 198cm lock until 2025.

Taula made an impression with the Hurricanes after being involved with the team’s pre-season campaign early this year.

“I really enjoyed it and learned a lot. It was a big jump from basically playing club rugby – I had only trained with the Turbos for half the season last year and was lucky enough to debut,” he says.

A few months later, Taula received a contract offer from the Hurricanes for the next two seasons.   

“My family were pretty shocked, but really happy. Mum and Dad were pretty emotional when they found out.”

As a new, young member of the squad, the 21-year-old says his key focus will be learning as much as he can during his first Super Rugby Pacific season.

Taula is a product of the Manawatū Rugby Academy, having been recruited out of Christchurch Boys’ High School. He was a member of the Varsity team that won the 2023 Hankins Sheild in Manawatū club rugby.

“I was given the opportunity to come up here and be a part of the Academy, which I’m beyond grateful for. To have played for the Turbos and now have a Hurricanes contract, it’s surreal.”   

Taula mentoring young players at the Manawatū Rugby Holiday Programme.

After a couple of injury setbacks in the past two years, Taula says his body is now feeling good as he heads into his first full year of professional rugby. Last year he was sidelined with a knee injury for half the season, while his 2023 NPC campaign was cut short by a groin injury.

“It has been a tough couple of years, but hopefully I can turn that around and stay healthy next season.”

Growing up as a Crusaders fan, Taula says he is more than happy to swap the red and black for yellow and black.  

“As a kid I always dreamed of playing at that level, so knowing that I have a great opportunity to do that next year, I’m definitely excited. The Hurricanes environment is really good and they have a great culture. Everyone is there for a reason.”

The full Super Rugby Pacific squads will be announced on Thursday 9 November, while Super Rugby Aupiki squads will be named a week later.

Article added: Wednesday 08 November 2023