Wikipedia

Henry Taefu

Henry Taefu (born 2 April 1993) is a Samoan professional Rugby Union player. He currently plays for North Harbour in the Bunnings NPC and Moana Pasifika in the Super Rugby Pacific,[1] having previously played for the Western Force in Australia’s Super Rugby AU. His playing position is inside centre.[2][3][4]

Henry Taefu
Taefu during a match representing the Greater Sydney Rams, October 2014
Full nameLeo Henry Taefu
Date of birth (1993-04-02) 2 April 1993 (age 31)
Place of birthApia, Samoa
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight100 kg (220 lb; 15 st 10 lb)
SchoolStretton State College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Moana Pasifika
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014 Greater Sydney Rams 6 (15)
2015–2017 Brisbane City 12 (12)
2016 Reds 4 (11)
2017–2018 Colomiers 20 (20)
2018–2021 Force 27 (10)
2021- North Harbour 2 (0)
2022– Moana Pasifika 8 (0)
Correct as of 20 July 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Australia U20 2 (0)
2017– Samoa 12 (63)
Correct as of 20 July 2022

Early / provincial career

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Taefu was born in Apia, the capital city of Samoa, but moved to New Zealand with his family at age 9, then to Brisbane in Australia aged 12.[5][6] He attended school at the famed Anglican Church Grammar School in Brisbane and upon graduation joined the Parramatta Eels, a rugby league club based in the suburbs of Sydney. However, in 2012 he moved back to Queensland and joined Queensland Premier Rugby side Sunnybank. He helped the Dragons reach the grand final of the competition in 2014 and was the team's 5th highest point scorer in 2015. His form at this level earned selection for the Greater Sydney Rams ahead of the inaugural National Rugby Championship in 2014. He was on the move again in 2015, heading back north to Brisbane to join Brisbane City.[2][3]

Super Rugby career

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Taefu’s performances over 2 seasons in the National Rugby Championship saw Super Rugby franchise, the Queensland Reds, come calling in 2016. He debuted in the derby match against the Waratahs on 27 February and went on to make 4 appearances during the season, netting 4 conversions and one penalty.[2][7] On 17 October 2021, it was announced that Henry signed with the new Super Rugby franchise, Moana Pasifika[8]

International

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Taefu was selected as a member of the Australia Under-20 squad which competed in the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France. He played 2 matches before succumbing to a shoulder injury which required surgery that in turn uncovered an undiagnosed adrenal gland tumour. He has played for the Manu Samoa since 2017 and played in their 2019 Rugby World Cup Squad. He scored all 19 points in the third pool game against Japan.[2][4] In 2021, he started both 2023 World Cup Qualifiers against Tonga.

Super Rugby statistics

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As of 17 August 2016[7]
Season Team Games Starts Sub Mins Tries Cons Pens Drops Points Yel Red
2016 Reds 4 4 0 207 0 4 1 0 11 0 0
Total 4 4 0 207 0 4 1 0 11 0 0

References

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  1. ^ "Moana Pasifika community celebrates historic first Super Rugby squad". Moana Pasifika (Press release). 22 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d "Henry Taefu Queensland Reds Player Profile". Reds Rugby. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Henry Taefu Brisbane City Player Profile". Reds Rugby. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  4. ^ a b "Henry Taefu Rugby Australia Player Profile". Rugby Australia. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  5. ^ "Reds star returns to his roots".
  6. ^ "Boy from Falelatai realises blue dream".
  7. ^ a b "Henry Taefu itsrugby Player Statistics". itsrugby. Retrieved 17 August 2016.
  8. ^ "Moana Pasifika announce signings of three Manu Samoa internationals".
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