Rugby: Tamanivalu returns after seven years overseas

Former All Black Seta Tamanivalu will return to the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls for the 2026 NPC season, ending a seven-year stint playing professional rugby overseas.

The 34-year-old midfielder returns to Taranaki after spells in France and Japan, where he won two Japan Rugby League One titles with Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Tamanivalu previously played 61 matches for the Bulls between 2012 and 2018, establishing himself as one of the province's standout midfielders and winning the NPC Player of the Year award in 2014.

His performances earned him Super Rugby opportunities with the Chiefs before he joined the Crusaders, where he won back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2017 and 2018. He also made five appearances for the All Blacks after making his test debut against Wales in 2016.

After leaving Taranaki at the end of 2018, Tamanivalu spent two seasons with French club Union Bordeaux Bègles before moving to Japan, where he played for Toshiba Brave Lupus for five seasons. During that time he also returned to international rugby, representing Fiji.

Bulls head coach Jarrad Hoeata said Tamanivalu's experience would be a major asset for the side.

"Seta is a game-breaker who understands exactly what it means to represent the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls.

"He's someone who can change a game for you, but just as importantly, he brings years of experience from the highest levels of the game. Our younger players will learn a huge amount from him.

"Having someone of Seta's calibre back in our environment is a massive boost for our programme."

Tamanivalu will bolster an experienced midfield that also includes Daniel Rona and Meihana Grindlay, while providing additional competition and mentoring for younger players such as New Zealand U20 rep Haki Wiseman.

The Bulls' full squad for the 2026 NPC season is expected to be announced after the CMK Club Rugby finals, with players due to assemble on July 13.