Bordeaux-Begles prop Ben Tameifuna, known affectionately as 'Big Ben,' has opened up about his rugby journey, revealing the allure of the Gallagher PREM and the two English clubs he nearly joined. Now a Tongan international and one of the most formidable props in world rugby, Tameifuna's career could have taken a very different direction.
Starting his athletic career in rugby league, Tameifuna transitioned to union and quickly made a name for himself with his hometown club, Hawke’s Bay. His robust performances caught the attention of the Chiefs in Super Rugby, propelling him into the intensive environment of the New Zealand All Blacks training camp. At 130kg, he was the heaviest player in the camp, a fact that did not go unnoticed amid the rigorous training sessions.
"You’re an All Black now; you wear black boots."
Recalling his time at the camp, Tameifuna shared a memorable interaction with rugby legend Richie McCaw. "When you arrive, Adidas gives you all the free stuff. So I got a pair of black boots and a pair of white boots. We had our first scrum session, and I was coming down to do our forwards warm-up, and I just see Richie meeting me halfway," Tameifuna recounted on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast. McCaw's firm reminder that All Blacks wear black boots was a pivotal moment for Tameifuna, underscoring the disciplined culture that has made the All Blacks synonymous with excellence.
"All right, that’s how it is. I guess that’s the rules," Tameifuna reflected with a smile. "If you’re a forward in the All Blacks, you gotta wear black boots. And I learned that pretty quick."
Although Tameifuna never made the All Blacks Test squad, his rugby aspirations did not wane. He has since earned nearly fifty caps for Tonga and played a critical role in Bordeaux's victory in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final. Despite his success in France, the allure of English rugby remains strong. "I would love to try England as well at some point, but Bordeaux came to the table, and I made the jump," he explained. Tameifuna revealed that he had discussions with Harlequins and even visited the training centre at Wasps, hinting that his future might still include a stint in England.
As Tameifuna continues to dominate on the field, his journey from a young hopeful in New Zealand to a key player on the international stage serves as a testament to the diverse paths a rugby career can take. His story not only highlights individual determination and adaptability but also the intricate tapestry of international rugby, where dreams take shape in myriad ways.
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Bordeaux-Begles prop Ben Tameifuna, known affectionately as 'Big Ben,' has opened up about his rugby journey, revealing the allure of the Gallagher PREM and the two English clubs he nearly joined. Now a Tongan international and one of the most formidable props in world rugby, Tameifuna's career could have taken a very different direction.
Starting his athletic career in rugby league, Tameifuna transitioned to union and quickly made a name for himself with his hometown club, Hawke’s Bay. His robust performances caught the attention of the Chiefs in Super Rugby, propelling him into the intensive environment of the New Zealand All Blacks training camp. At 130kg, he was the heaviest player in the camp, a fact that did not go unnoticed amid the rigorous training sessions.
"You’re an All Black now; you wear black boots."
Recalling his time at the camp, Tameifuna shared a memorable interaction with rugby legend Richie McCaw. "When you arrive, Adidas gives you all the free stuff. So I got a pair of black boots and a pair of white boots. We had our first scrum session, and I was coming down to do our forwards warm-up, and I just see Richie meeting me halfway," Tameifuna recounted on the For The Love Of Rugby podcast. McCaw's firm reminder that All Blacks wear black boots was a pivotal moment for Tameifuna, underscoring the disciplined culture that has made the All Blacks synonymous with excellence.
"All right, that’s how it is. I guess that’s the rules," Tameifuna reflected with a smile. "If you’re a forward in the All Blacks, you gotta wear black boots. And I learned that pretty quick."
Although Tameifuna never made the All Blacks Test squad, his rugby aspirations did not wane. He has since earned nearly fifty caps for Tonga and played a critical role in Bordeaux's victory in the 2025 Investec Champions Cup final. Despite his success in France, the allure of English rugby remains strong. "I would love to try England as well at some point, but Bordeaux came to the table, and I made the jump," he explained. Tameifuna revealed that he had discussions with Harlequins and even visited the training centre at Wasps, hinting that his future might still include a stint in England.
As Tameifuna continues to dominate on the field, his journey from a young hopeful in New Zealand to a key player on the international stage serves as a testament to the diverse paths a rugby career can take. His story not only highlights individual determination and adaptability but also the intricate tapestry of international rugby, where dreams take shape in myriad ways.