Siale Piutau

Siale Piutau to leave Bristol at the end of the season

The 35-year-old former Tonga captain joined Bristol in 2017, skippering them to victory over Toulon in last year’s European Challenge Cup final and the centre has continued to be a key performer this season during Bristol’s push for a first Premiership title.

The club have already booked a home tie in the play-offs later this month, and are likely to host Harlequins.

Bristol rugby director Pat Lam told the club’s official website: “Siale’s impact on the club and our growth has been immeasurable.

Dream birthday for Piutau

The Tonga captain celebrated turning 34 on Sunday by scoring a try and slotting over the first conversion he has ever taken in a man-of-the-match performance at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

A first win of the tournament ensured it was the USA rather than Tonga who finished bottom of Pool C.

Piutau was carried off the field by his team-mates after the game before paying tribute to his sister Ema, who lost her battle with stomach cancer in April.

"It’s been a tough journey, but all this has been done in her memory." said Piutau.

Tongans send Piutau off in style with win over USA

Piutau, who was celebrating his 34th birthday in his 43rd and final test at his third World Cup, scored a try and kicked the last conversion at Hanazono Rugby Stadium as the Tongans finished off their tournament in style.

Tongan prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi opened the scoring and centre Malietoa Hingano crossed to give the Pacific islanders the lead around the hour mark, with fullback Telusa Veainu adding the fourth try after the final gong.

Tongan captain Piutau impressed with performance against England

Tonga managed to hold the England onslaught in the the first 23 minutes as both teams were leveled at 3-all.

In an interview with World Rugby after the game, Piutau says their plan was to bring a lot of physicality to the game, but that was not enough to tackle England.

Pitau returns to captain Tonga

Piutau was absent from last weekend’s loss against Samoa, with Elvis Taione given the captain’s armband in his absence.

Former Highlander and current Benetton representative Nasi Manu was originally named to captain last week’s side, but was changed late in the week.

Taione will be given a rest this weekend. Instead, Sosefo Sakalia will pack down at hooker with Ma’afu Fia taking Ben Tameifuna’s spot on the tighthead.

The Toutai Kefu coached side will feature most of its experience players such as Cooper Vuna, Steve Mafi, Siale Piutau to name a few.

Tonga's rugby captain signs with Bristol

The centre - who has twenty-four test caps to his name - has agreed to the switch from Japanese club Yamaha Jubilo and the Bristol club website says he will arrive in January.

Piutau previously represented Wasps in the Aviva Premiership, alongside his younger brother and former All Black, Charles.

Bristol coach Mark Tainton said Piutau is a big presence in the midfield who carries hard and is a reliable defender.