Everything you need to know about Samisoni Taukei'aho, the talented rugby player

Everything you need to know about Samisoni Taukei'aho, the talented rugby player

Ciku Njuguna
updated at March 9, 2024 at 4:08 AM

Samisoni Taukei'aho is an elite rugby union player who plays for New Zealand's All Blacks and the Gallagher Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition. In addition to being a standout rugger star, Taukei'aho is a trained lawyer. Dig in and discover all the details of his personal and professional life as an international rugby player.

All Blacks' and Gallagher Chiefs' player Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Samisoni Taukei’aho is a talented Rugby player who is also a trained lawyer. Photo by Hannah Peters/Adam Pretty/World Rugby.
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

At the start of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific 2023/24 season, Samisoni Taukei'aho was named to the Chief's first team. This article details his journey to become one of the most famous All Blacks players.

Samisoni Taukei'aho's profile summary

Full name

Samisoni Frank Simpson Taukei'aho

Nickname

Soni

Date of birth

8 August 1997

Age

26 years old as of March 2024

Place of birth

Tongatapu, Tonga

Nationality

Tongan

Height

183 centimetres (6’0”)

Weight

120 kilograms (264.5 lbs)

Parents

Sailusi and Sesilina Taukei'aho

Siblings

5

Relationship status

Married

Spouse

Caitlin Lawry

Education

St Paul's Collegiate

University of Waikato

Profession

Professional rugby player

International test debut

July 2021

Positions

Hooker

Teams

Gallagher Chiefs

New Zealand's national rugby union team

Active years

2013 - present

Net worth

$1 million - $5 million

Social media pages

Instagram

Samisoni Taukei'aho's biography

Samisoni was born and raised in Tongatapu, Tonga, to Sailusi and Sesilina Taukei'aho. However, reports suggest that his mother is a nurse and his father a policeman. In an interview with INEOS, he spoke about his parent's contribution to his success, saying,

New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho poses for a portrait.
New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho poses for a portrait during the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad photocall on September 02, 2023, in Lyon, France. Photo by Adam Pretty/World Rugby.
Source: Original
"I remember when I was 15, jumping on an aeroplane and moving away from home to New Zealand. The toughest thing was leaving Mom and Dad. I am grateful for their sacrifice to let me go and chase my dream."

During the 2022 Rugby Championship match against Argentina at the FMG Stadium Waikato, 40 of Samisoni Taukei'aho's family members, including his father, mother, and uncles, cheered on the sidelines. The Tongan-born All Blacks player has two biological brothers and three adoptive siblings. Further details of Samisoni Taukei'aho's brothers have yet to be revealed to the public.

Who is Samisoni Taukei'aho’s partner?

On the 2nd of December, 2023, he married Caitlin Lawry, now Taukeiaho, at the Black Barn, Lake Tarawera. Samisoni Taukei'aho's wife, Caitlin, graduated from the University of Waikato and works as a realtor in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Samisoni and his wife CaitlinTaukei'aho.
Samisoni and his wife, Caitlin Taukei'aho, pictured at their wedding on December 2, 2023. Phoro by @samisonitaukeiaho.
Source: Instagram

How old is Samisoni Taukei'aho?

Born on the 8th of August 1997, the New Zealand rugby team player is 26 years old as of March 2024. His zodiac sign is Leo.

What is Samisoni Taukei'aho's nationality?

The Chiefs' hooker is a Polynesian athlete of Tongan descent. However, he opted to play internationally for New Zealand, where he has lived since he was 15.

How heavy is Samisoni Taukei’aho?

According to various sources, Samisoni Taukei'aho's weight ranges between 115 and 120 kilograms (253.5 - 264.5 lbs). On the other hand, Samisoni Taukei'aho's height is 183 centimetres (6’0”).

What school did Samisoni Taukei’aho go to?

In 2014, the Crusaders’ player received an international scholarship from the St Paul's Collegiate in Hamilton, New Zealand. He is a part-time student at the University of Waikato, pursuing a Bachelor of Law degree.

Gallagher Chiefs' Samisoni Taukei’aho evades a tackle.
Gallagher Chiefs' Samisoni Taukei’aho evades a tackle by Crusaders' players during a Super Rugby game at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on February 23, 2024. Photo by DJ Mills/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Career

Growing up, Samisoni played footy with friends and neighbours. His scholarship at St Paul's Collegiate marked the start of his professional career. He started for the secondary school team in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Soon after, he captained the Tongan Under-15 national team in New Zealand.

Professional club career

He made his debut for the Waikato Rugby Union team in the National Provincial Championship in 2017. In 2017, he debuted for the Gallagher Chiefs before signing a contract with the team the following year.

Professional international career

His international career began in 2021 during the Steinlager Series match between New Zealand and Fiji. Since then, he has received 30 caps from the All Blacks, with his latest appearance being recorded against Namibia during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Samisoni Taukei'aho's stats

The number 282 player is one of the top players in the Chiefs team. Additionally, he has stood out as one of the best current All Blacks players.

Samisoni Taukei'aho in action.
Samisoni Taukei'aho in action during an All Blacks training session at Grammar TEC Rugby Club on June 28, 2022, in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo by Phil Walter.
Source: Getty Images

During his time in the National Provincial Championship, he played eleven matches for the Waikato Rugby Union team. Out of the eleven, he won six, lost five games, and recorded 10 points. Have a look at the details of his performance and career stats as of March 2024.

Teams

Gallagher Chiefs

New Zealand's national rugby union team

Number

282

1195

Debut

2017

2021

Caps

79

25

Wins

51

22

Draws

1

1

Losses

27

7

Tries

13

10

Points

65

50

Awards

Taukei'aho is one of the most famous All Blacks players of Polynesian descent. Here are some of his awards:

  • 2019 Waikato Draught Mitre 10 Cup Player of the Year winner
  • 2022 ASB All Blacks Player of the Year nominee
  • 2022 Gallagher Sportsperson of the Year winner
  • 2022 Ian Clarke Supreme Award winner
  • 2023 Gallagher Sportsperson of the Year finalist
New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho (in black) in action.
New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho (in black) in action during the Rugby World Cup match against Uruguay at Parc Olympique on October 05, 2023, in Lyon, France. Photo by Paul Harding.
Source: Getty Images

Frequently asked questions

Samisoni has established himself as one of the most successful athletes in the world, playing for other nationalities. Here are some interesting facts about him.

1. Is Samisoni Taukei'aho a practicing lawyer?

Various publications reveal that Samisoni studied law at the University of Waikato. However, there is no indication that he completed his studies and is working as a lawyer

2. What is Samisoni Taukei'aho's net worth?

According to Vimbuzz, the All Blacks player's net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million. Other publications suggest that his financial portfolio is valued at $5 million.

New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho (c) in action.
New Zealand's Samisoni Taukei'aho (c) in action during the Rugby Championship match against the South African Springboks at Mt Smart Stadium on July 15, 2023. Photo by Phil Walter.
Source: Getty Images

Final word

Like many athletes around the world, Tongan-born Samisoni Taukei'aho is a rugby union player who has taken on a different sporting nationality. His success on the global stage serves as an inspiration for countless up-and-coming rugby players.

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Authors
Ciku Njuguna photo
Ciku Njuguna
Ciku Njuguna is a journalist with 3 year’s experience in content creation based in Kenya. She currently covers sports personnel as well as team biographies.
Tags
Rugby World Cup