“There’s not much you can really pitch. He’s been in our organisation for three years now and for two of those he was long-term injured, so no one’s really got to see the best of him. We’re getting to see snippets of it now, he’s told me he’s an Aussie-raised kid and at this point in time wants to be a Wallaby and a regular Super Rugby player.
“But there’s lots of external factors, his brother’s over there and I’m sure that has a pull. For me personally for where he’s at in his career — he’s only 22 — he’s got another 10-plus years in his professional career if he looks after his body and performs well. For me it would be a shame — if being a Wallaby is his dream — to go.”
Johnny Sexton, the Ireland captain, holds the Six Nations trophy as Ireland celebrate their Grand Slam victory.Credit:Getty
The elder Tuipulotu, Sione, played the latest of his Tests for Scotland in the final Six Nations round at the weekend, starting on the wing alongside fellow Australian and former Wallaby Jack Dempsey at No.8.
The other Australian in the Six Nations, Ireland’s Mack Hansen, enjoyed another win as the Andy Farrell-coached side claimed the Triple Crown, grand slam and Six Nations title with a gutsy win over England on the final day of competition.
Ireland captain Jonny Sexton described the win as a dream, one marred only by controversy over a first-half red card to England fullback Freddie Steward.
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It was a controversial call refereed to the letter of the law but lacking, according to critics of referee Jaco Peyper, the appropriate feel for the game and occasion.
“Honestly, I couldn’t make it up. It’s like living in a dream — I’m actually worried I’m going to wake up in the morning,” Sexton said.
“We didn’t play our best, but what a team. What a team. What a group of coaches, they prepared us so well.
“We did nothing that they told us [in the win over England], we did the exact opposite. We made things hard for ourselves but, look, England are a top-class team.
“To come here and get a win on St Patrick’s weekend, it’s unbelievable. What a day. Unbelievable.”
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