Tangaki Taulupe (Toby) became the first Pacific Islander to play for Wales in the summer of 2011 against the Barbarians, going on to make a huge impression at RWC 2011. He scored against South Africa in the pool stages and throughout the tournament made the most tackles (83) and the most ball carries (81).
Toby moved to Wales as a seven-year-old when his father, 17-times capped Tongan international lock Kuli Faletau, joined Ebbw Vale in 1998. A former wing, Toby was spotted by the Dragons while he was at the Bristol Academy of Sport at Filton College.
He made his Wales Under 20 debut at No 8 in the 43-8 victory over France at Cardiff Arms Park in 2010 and also started against Ireland. He has played for Cross Keys and Newport in the Principality Premiership and made a winning debut for Newport Gwent Dragons as a replacement against Edinburgh in late 2009.
His form in 2010/11 saw him awarded the Young Player of the Year award from the Welsh Rugby Writers association.
