By Jonathan B Geddes 

A TRIO of international greats have played integral roles in the amazing rugby journey of Eastern Suburbs’ sharp new Shute Shield halfback Connor Tupai.

Rugby News can reveal former England skipper Dylan Hartley, ex-All Black centre Ma’a Nonu and Wallaby icon Matt Giteau have all had a big influence on the development of the No.9, who made his international debut for Samoa at the end of last year.            

Tupai, 26, will call on the lessons he learnt from those three legends in Saturday’s big local derby against Randwick at Coogee Oval.

The afternoon -which will honour great Randwick man and illustrious team manager Peter Meagher, who lost his life in the Bondi terror attack- has special significance for the Easts’ No.9.

FATHER AND SON

TUPAI has a strong family association with Hartley, which began when Tupai’s father Paul became a mentor for the up-and-coming hooker when they played together at Northampton Saints. Hartley subsequently led England to their first Grand Slam in 2016 and captained the squad on their Australian tour that same year.

In a 2017 interview Hartley said: “There’s no doubt, Toops (Paul Tupai) is one of the reasons why I am where I am today.”

Hartley then passed on the benefits of his experience to the enthusiastic young Tupai as he started following in his dad’s rugby footsteps with Northampton.

“He was more of a life mentor for me,” Tupai said. “I just had the pleasure of seeing him at work and stepping into his element, which was cool.”

THE FIELD OF DREAMS

WHEN Tupai most recently spent two seasons in the MLR with San Diego Legion, it was a real pinch-me moment.

“A big influence for me going there was that my favourite player ever, Ma’a Nonu,  was also there,”  he said. “It was crazy, it was a bit surreal at the time. Again, he then took me under his wing more than anyone else.”

Nonu showed Tupai how to be a professional, how hard you have to train to be good at rugby and stay there.

“He was 41-years-old and was the first one in the gym and the last one to leave – always doing extras,” Tupai said. 

“It got even better because halfway through the year Matt Giteau turned up, and he was just the same as Ma’a.  Both are legends of their countries and absolute fitness freaks. Both of them really made my first year at San Diego.

“I’ve been pretty lucky, haven’t I?”

AN EMOTIONAL RETURN 

SATURDAY’S  game at Coogee will have extra meaning for Tupai as he was halfback in Randwick’s 2023 premiership-winning side.

“I’m a bit nervous to be honest,” Tupai admitted. “I’ve always had the massive Coogee boys supporting me and rinsing all the other teams. So I know for a fact I’m going to be on the receiving end this time.”

It will be an emotion-charged afternoon in the Marzo Memorial Round, remembering one of the Galloping Green’s favourite sons.

The tribute to Peter Meagher will be close to Tupai’s heart.

“He was actually the first person I met in this country – he picked me and my partner up from the airport and I’ve got a lot of time for Marzo,” he said. “It was really sad, so I’m looking forward to getting behind it as well.”

Easts coach Ben Batger knows Randwick will also be smarting following their extraordinary 33-31 loss on the bell to Eastwood in round one.

 “The battle of the east is always big, but I think Randwick will have a bit of extra spring in their step,” he said.

SHARP DEBUT

TUPAI wasted no time making a big impression with a slick performance in his first Shute Shield game for Easts in last Saturday’s 48-14 win over Norths at Woollahra Oval.

“I was happy, it’s always good to beat Norths who are a top four side normally,” he said. “We were still pretty rusty, but we are heading in the right direction.”

Batger said Tupai has slotted in really well after arriving at the club two months ago.

“He’s not only a good footy player, but he’s also a good guy,” Batger said. “The boys have really gravitated to him  – he’s a leader and good hard trainer.”

Tupai has an extra incentive this season – to push his claims for a spot in the Samoan World Cup squad after touring with the national team at the end of last year.

“I came over to play for Easts and hopefully get my head in the door for the World Cup,” he said.