- Sione has already established himself with both Scotland and Glasgow Warriors
- Now the younger brother will join him even though they would be playing for rival clubs
Scotland could have two brothers as their central duo from next season, with Sione Tuipulotu’s younger brother Mosese closing in on a move to Edinburgh Rugby.
Glasgow Warriors player Sione, 27, is already a crucial figure for national coach Gregor Townsend, given the strength and carrying capacity he brings to midfield.
But now 22-year-old Mosese could soon appear alongside him in a blue shirt, with Edinburgh keen to sign him from the New South Wales Waratahs.
The Tuipulotu brothers were born in Australia but are eligible to play for the Scots through their grandmother, who was born in Greenock.
Mosese, also a centre, stressed last year that he was keen to remain with the Waratahs and represent the Wallabies at international level.
But it now appears he has changed his mind.
Mosese Tuipulotu has been a target for Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend for some time
Big brother Sione has already established himself at both Glasgow Warriors and Scotland
During the last Six Nations, Sione linked up brilliantly with Scotland skipper Finn Russell
The Waratahs’ signing of former rugby league player Joseph Suaalii will have a major impact on Mosese’s chances of playing for both them and Australia next season.
So from the start of the 2024-2025 season he will likely play with Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship and stake his claim for a place in Scotland.
Townsend has previously spoken directly to Mosese, who has long been on Scottish rugby’s radar due to Sione’s performances for his adopted country. Sione already has a productive center partnership with Huw Jones for both Glasgow and Scotland, to the extent that the combination has been named ‘Huwipulotu’.
Should Sione and Mosese end up playing for Scotland together, they would continue a long recent list of siblings who have done so, including Richie and Jonny Gray, Zander and Matt Fagerson and George and Peter Horne.
Townsend said of Mosese in March 2023: ‘He is a player who is interesting for one of the professional teams and for us in Scotland. Sione has had such a big impact. It is wise of Scottish rugby to succeed someone with real potential.”
