Western Force tighthead prop Tiaan Tauakipulu has been rewarded for a strong 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a call-up to the Australia XV squad.
The 23-year-old front-rower, who didn’t miss a game in the 2024 season, will link up with the Australia XV squad for two games as part of their tour of the United Kingdom.
Tauakipulu’s call-up comes following the withdrawal of Force prop Tom Robertson from the Wallabies squad due to a calf injury, with Zane Nonggorr elevated from Australia XV group to replace him for their Northern Hemisphere tour.
The call-up marks Tauakipulu’s maiden representative recognition and comes after the quiet achiever played all 14 Super Rugby games in 2024.
The ex-Waratahs front rower was part of the Force’s recent South Africa spring series tour, playing all three games including two starts.
Australia XV squad’s first match will be against Bristol at the iconic Ashton Gate on Friday 8 November, 115 years after the first touring Australian team played a combined Bristol and Clifton team.
The following week, on Sunday 17 November, the side will take on England A at the Twickenham Stoop.
2024 Australia XV Tour
Australia XV v Bristol Bears, 7:45pm GMT, Friday 8 November, Ashton Gate, Bristol
Australia XV v England A, 2:00pm GMT, Sunday 17 November, Twickenham Stoop, London
