Mason Tupaea (born 16 October 2002) is a New Zealand professional rugby union footballer who plays as a prop forward for New Zealand province Waikato and Super Rugby side Blues.

Mason Tupaea
Date of birth (2002-10-16) 16 October 2002 (age 22)[1]
Place of birthHamilton, New Zealand
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)[2]
Weight108 kg (238 lb; 17 st 0 lb)
SchoolHamilton Boys' High School
Notable relative(s)Quinn Tupaea
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Current team Waikato, Blues
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018– Waikato ()
2024– Blues ()

Early life

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He attended Hamilton Boys High School and was called-up to New Zealand U18 rugby union team in 2020.[3]

Career

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He represented Waikato in the National Provincial Championship from 2023 onwards.[4] He scored a try in the semi final of the NPC in 2024 as his team bowed out to Wellington.[5]

Having played for Blues U20 in 2022, he made his debut appearance in a match day squad for the Blues senior team in Super Rugby against Highlanders at Eden Park in May 2024.[6]

Personal life

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He is the son of Brent and Kelly Tupaea and has two brothers, Tane Tupac’s New Zealand rugby international Quinn Tupaea.[7] They are New Zealanders of Māori descent (Waikato and Tainui descent).[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Mason Tupaea". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  2. ^ "Mason Tupaea". All.Rugby. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  3. ^ "2020 New Zealand Under 18 Rugby Squad". Nextgenxv.com. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Rugby: 2023 National Provincial Championship, Waikato squad announced". Waikato Herald. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  5. ^ "Wellington to host NPC final after dramatic win against Waikato". Stuff.co.nz. 19 October 2024. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  6. ^ Lester, Ned (17 May 2024). "'He warms up bench pressing 150 kilos': Younger brother of All Black set for Blues debut". Rugby Pass. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  7. ^ "New All Black dreams of debut in Hamilton with Tupaea Fire fan club". NZ Herald. 22 June 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Maori All Blacks squad announced to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton". Gallagher Chiefs (Official Site). 24 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2024.