Ex-Toshiba prop Vea Taumoefolau targets Super Rugby contract

Former Toshiba Brave Lupus prop and recent Japan call-up Vea Taumoefolau is aiming to secure a Super Rugby contract after landing a deal with NPC side Tasman.

New Zealand-born Taumoefolau, 24, a two-time League One winner, sent shockwaves through the Japanese scene when he left Toshiba in March due to personal reasons.

The Kyoto Sangyo University graduate, who also qualifies for Tonga on heritage grounds, recently returned to action for amateur club Stoke Rugby in Nelson, New Zealand, before Tasman Mako announced his signing for the 2026 NPC season.

Uncapped Taumoefolau, who was hailed as the ‘next Michael Leitch’ while playing as a number eight for Sapporo Yamanote High School, was named in Japan’s provisional national squad line-up in February.

RugbyJP.com understands that the Japan-qualified powerhouse is hoping to impress in the NPC competition and earn a Super Rugby contract for 2027.

© JRLO

Taumoefolau also has Test rugby ambitions and is open to an approach from Tonga in order to play at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who will serve his final touchline game ban this Saturday as the Brave Blossoms host Italy in a historic Nations Championship fixture, is able to call up overseas-based players but is unlikely to hand a debut to a player based in New Zealand. Stay tuned to RugbyJP.com for all the on-site build-up to the 2026-27 League One season