'It's fitting': Samisoni Taukei'aho on why he chose the All Blacks over Tonga

While short-term contracts have become commonplace for New Zealand rugby stars, Samisoni Taukei’aho is bucking the trend and has signed on with NZR and the Chiefs until 2027.

The signing secures the services of one of the world’s most damaging young hookers for the entirety of the next World Cup cycle, no doubt music to the ears of incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.

Born in Tonga, Taukei’aho first ventured to New Zealand when captaining the Tonga under-15’s team and was subsequently picked up by Hamilton powerhouse St Paul’s Collegiate, rising through the ranks to make his All Blacks debut in 2021.

The two tries scored on debut can be viewed retrospectively as a sign of things to come, but at the time with a logjam at the hooker position, Taukei’aho’s inclusion in the national squad was speculated to be short-lived and another example of New Zealand selecting Pasifika-born players and eliminating their Pacific eligibility with little reward in the black jersey.

The 25-year-old has since claimed 21 Test caps, scoring ten tries and is now widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier No 2.

“I’m really happy that deal’s done and I’m just looking forward to the next four years and this year as well,” Taukei’aho told Newshub.

“I was thinking about it, but I got the offer to stay on and live my dream here in New Zealand,” he said.

“I really enjoy it, especially playing with your good mates and people who you know will be there for you on the field, and good buggers off the field as well.

“I’m really loving it… it makes me enjoy my footy and hopefully, I can play some good footy.”

Chiefs teammate Pita Gus Sowakula joined Taukei’aho in the All Blacks squad for the team’s opening series of 2022, the No 8 featured twice off the bench against Ireland but was not retained for the following Rugby Championship.

The brief nature of Sowakula’s All Blacks career drew criticism from fans as the 28-year-old possessed talent and experience that would have greatly contributed to his home nation of Fiji in their 2023 World Cup campaign, if it wasn’t for his Fijian eligibility being sacrificed in the pursuit of an All Blacks dream.

Taukei’aho reflected on his own experience as a Polynesian athlete in New Zealand and commented on the criticism New Zealand Rugby faces for their selections.

“I feel like New Zealand developed my skills to be the player I am, so I don’t think NZ Rugby is stealing or doing anything from the islands,” he said. “I feel like my rugby has developed here in New Zealand and it’s fitting for me to represent New Zealand.”