NZ block 'Tongan Thor'
High school student Taniela Tupou – an 18-year-old monster that weighs in at 135kgs – has been frightening the life out of schoolboys across New Zealand.
He became a viral sensation after a video emerged of him scoring a hat-trick of tries in the Auckland schools competition.
However, the New Zealand Rugby Union and the Schools Rugby Council have blocked him from playing for the national secondary schools team later this year.
Tupou is a common Tongan surname and the prodigy doesn't hold a New Zealand passport, making him ineligible to play.
The New Zealand Herald broke the bad news, which took New Zealand by storm.
"I think it is a naive stance," Sacred Heart College principal Jim Dale said.
"If there are talented kids like Daniel and they are deemed to be good enough, they should be picked – they should be given the opportunity.
"Daniel has been here in New Zealand since late 2010 and he's a wonderful kid. I'd hate to think that he'd be lost to another code or to another country who could be more accommodating."
Despite his massive frame, Tupou has great speed and footwork.
Nicknamed 'The Tongan Thor', Tupou will be one to watch in the next few years as he undoubtedly will get the attention of Super Rugby franchises in New Zealand.
Sources: Yahoo!NZ Sport & NZ Herald
Check out the best of Taniela Tupou here. The next big thing?
