Ben Tameifuna

Ben Tameifuna (pronounced IPA: [dɑːmeɪfʊnɑː]; born (1991-08-30)30 August 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays for the French team Racing 92, having previously played for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Hawke's Bay Magpies in the ITM Cup. In 2012 he became the Chiefs first choice tighthead prop. He is also acknowledged for his ability to fill in at hooker.

Career

Tameifuna made his Hawke Bay's debut as a teenager in 2010. He represented New Zealand under 20s at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship, and in March 2012 he made has Chiefs debut after injury sidelined Ben Afeaki. In 2013, he signed a contract extension with the Chiefs until 2014.

In May 2012 he was selected for the All Blacks to train for the three Test series against Ireland. At over 130 kg, he was the heaviest member of the All Black squad. He has since gone on to be capped by Tonga and is in their squad for the 2016 European tour

After four years with the Chiefs, in June 2015 Tameifuna signed with Racing 92, who changed their name from Racing Metro in the same month. They are based in Paris and are part of the French Top 14.

Relatives

Tameifuna's uncle Sona Taumalolo was another Chiefs prop, who also played for Tonga at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

In July 2012, with hooker Mahonri Schwalger from Samoa, the two props combined for 60 minutes to help the Chiefs beat the Crusaders 20–17, at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. When Tameifuna signed to play in France, Taumalolo was already playing there, for FC Grenoble.