CarwynTuipulotu

Exeter Chiefs signed free agent back-rower Carwyn Tuipulotu for the 2026/27 season two weeks into the campaign.

Born in Wales to former Tongan international back-rower Kati Tuipulotu, he switched the south west of France for the south west of England having spent the last year playing for Section Paloise, known as Pau.

Following his summer exit from the French Top14, Tuipulotu, who specialises at No.8, was training with Welsh side Dragons to maintain his fitness levels.

First picking up a rugby ball at age nine with New Brighton RFC, it was after attending Sedbergh School that the back-rower was brought into the Welsh Rugby development system through the Scarlets Rugby academy.

Playing for Wales U20s alongside current Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins, he made his senior Scarlets debut against Leinster in January 2021 and earned a senior contract one month later.

For the next four years, he made more than 45 appearances for the region, his defensive work-rate and hard carrying style into contact becoming his calling card. In January 2025, he went on loan to Gallagher PREM side Saracens before confirming his move to France a couple of months later.

Tuipulotu joined his cousin Greg Fisilau in the Chiefs ranks, having never played on the same team before.