Filise re-signs for Blues
Following last week’s news that Alex Cuthbert has signed a contract extension, Cardiff Blues have announced that Tau Filise has also signed a contract extension with the region.
The powerful Tongan prop is a formidable presence on the rugby field, weighing in a 19st 5lbs and standing a towering 6’4”, joined Cardiff Blues in May 2006 from Bath RFC.
Filise has been integral to the team’s success playing a vital role in the EDF and Amlin Cup wins and has gone on to make 130 appearances for the Blues.
Filise, grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku’alofa. In 2000, he joined Bay of Plenty in New Zealand and later the Auckland Blues Super Twelve side where he played alongside Cardiff Blues Number 8, Xavier Rush.
Filise, a Tongan international, represented his country in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.
Speaking of the decision to re sign the prop forward Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Phil Davies said,
“I am delighted that the Blues have managed to retain a player of Fau’s quality for the forthcoming season.”
“He has shown over a number of years how valuable he is to the team and to have someone of his experience will be a huge asset next season back at the Arms Park.”
“He, I’m sure, will help bring on the youngsters as we aim to build for the future.”
BIO
Taufa’ao Filise (born May 26, 1977) is a Tongan rugby union footballer. A powerful prop who has played his club rugby with Bay of Plenty alongside Tonga skipper Aleki Lutui. Filise played for the Ikale Tahi in their 2001 Epson Cup campaign and on the tour to Scotland and Wales later that year. He had his first match for Tonga 9, in 2001. He played the one-off Test against Japan in 2002 and some of the RWC qualifiers. He rejoined the Test side this year for the Pacific Tri-Nations after a lengthy absence and played well enough to force his way into the Islanders team along with his front-row team-mates. He grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku’alofa. In 2000, he joined Bay of Plenty in New Zealand, and has since represented the union 29 times and scored two tries. Filise currently plays for professional Welsh club, the Cardiff Blues in the Celtic League and Heineken Cup.
He has represented the Tonga national team, and was also selected to play for the Pacific Islanders rugby union team in 2004 & 2006. His usual position is prop.