Tonga legend Siale Piutau, 40, planning for 22nd season in rugby

Tonga legend Siale Piutau is already looking ahead to his 22nd season in the pro game after his campaign for division two’s surprise package Shimizu Koto Blue Sharks was derailed by injuries.

Ex-Bristol Bears star Piutau, 40, whose younger brother Charles has departed division one side Shizuoka Blue Revs after three years in Japan, played a key off field role for the club as a supervisor to the team’s talented group of foreign players.

The Auckland native is known for his leadership qualities, having captained his country at the 2019 World Cup and skippered Bristol to their first European title when they beat Toulon in the Challenge Cup final in 2020.

“It wasn’t the season I planned, with injuries keeping me off the field, but I’m grateful I could still get the body moving again at this tender age and help the boys achieve something special for this club,” said the former Shizuoka Blue Revs (then Yamaha Júbilo) centre who was unable to make an appearance this season.

The Blue Sharks survived a relegation play-off against division three side Secom Rugguts a year ago and recruited well over the summer - with shrewd additions such as fly-half Billy Burns and centre Maritino Nemani - which led to them making huge strides this season.

© JRLO - Piutau scored a crucial try to help his team win their relegation play-off in 2025

Manager and Team Director Takahiro Niki’s team, who are owned and managed by architectural, civil engineering and general contracting firm Shimizu, defeated Manie Libbok’s star-laden title favourites Kintetsu Liners in April, a win which eventually saw them beat the Osaka-based team to second place based on their head-to-head record.

Piutau’s unfancied side gave a credible account of themselves in their promotion play-off against Graham Rowntree’s division one side Urayasu D-Rocks whose team included Wallabies star Samu Kerevi and Springboks brute Jasper Wiese.

The former Wasps and Highlanders midfielder can take immense pride in a superb season for the Blue Sharks who ended in 37-15 and 57-19 defeats to Urayasu.

“I genuinely loved the role I was able to play within the group,” said Piutau.

“Being involved in the preparation, helping the team during the week, and supporting the boys however I could became one of the most rewarding parts of the season.

“There’s honour in serving the team however you’re needed, on the field or behind the scenes. I enjoyed the grind, the challenge, and the privilege of watching this group make history.”

© Toru Yaguchi/Koto Blue Sharks

The age-defying veteran is looking forward to doing it all again next season and still hopes to have an impact on the field.

“21 seasons down, a lot of battles, a lot of memories, and I’m still grateful to be part of the game,” he said. “The wheels haven’t fallen off yet. I’m looking forward to doing it all again next season.”