Taniela Filimone

Taniela Filimone (born 1 June 1999) is a Tongan rugby union player, who plays for Highlanders and Manawatu. His preferred position is centre, wing or fullback.^[1]

Taniela Filimone

Date of birth	(1999-06-01) 1 June 1999 (age 26)
Place of birth	Lofanga, Tonga
Height	186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	99 kg (218 lb; 15 st 8 lb)
School	Rotorua Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre / Wing / Fullback Current team Highlanders, Manawatu Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2021– Manawatu 20 (25) 2023 New England Free Jacks 9 (15) 2024 New Orleans Gold 17 (55) 2025– Highlanders 5 (10) Correct as of 30 May 2025 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2019 Tonga U20 2024– Tonga 4 (5) Correct as of 12 April 2025

Early career

Filimone was born in Tonga and originally attended Tupou College Toloa before attending Rotorua Boys' High School on a scholarship.^[2] He originally played his club rugby for Tauranga. In 2019 he represented Tonga U20.^[3]

Professional career

Filimone has represented Manawatu in the National Provincial Championship since 2021, being named as a replacement player for the 2024 Bunnings NPC.^[4] In 2023, having previously spent time with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, he moved to America to play for the New England Free Jacks.^[5] In 2024 he transferred to the New Orleans Gold, scoring 11 tries across the 2024 Major League Rugby season.^[6] He was called into the Highlanders squad ahead of Round 9 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, making his debut against the Drua scoring two tries.^[7][8]

In July 2024, Filimone made his international debut for Tonga, representing them against Italy.^[9]