Pakuranga United Rugby Club would like to congratulate Salesi Tuifua on his 2023 contract with Counties Manukau. 

The premier front rower joined the club while still at St Peters, playing premier rugby while in his final year of high school. A member of the Pakuranga Academy, Tuifua was a member of the Blues Under 20s in 2022. 

Director of Rugby Grant ‘Boof’ Henson said his resilience and development has been impressive. 

“Sale is a special talent. He’s shown a lot of resilience the past two years, so making Auckland Bs in 2022 was a great reward as is picking up this contract.”

“There was overseas interest in Sale, but he wanted to crack the professional pathway in New Zealand – he wasn’t interested in taking the easy route and now he has his foot in the door which we’re really proud of,” said Boof. 

While his provincial union development contract sees him move club affiliations to Counties Manukau, Boof said it is important for the club to celebrate success. 

“It’s incredibly important for us as a club to be able to provide pathways for our players, regardless of where those pathways lead. While it would be great to have Sale still playing here at the Ranga, this is an awesome step for him in his rugby journey and one we support and back fully,” said Boof.

Article added: Thursday 26 January 2023