[1][2] In 2000, Turinui captained the Australia Schoolboys, having been the vice-captain of the side in the previous year.

Turinui went on to represent the Australia under-21 team in 2002 and play for the Australian Sevens side in Hong Kong and Beijing.

This effort helped him to be selected for his provincial team, the New South Wales Waratahs, in the same year.

In his first year as a professional player, he made his debut for the national team against Ireland and was selected for the Wallabies campaign for the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup.

Since retiring from rugby, Turinui now commentates on Stan Sport, alongside Andrew Mehrtens, and Justin Harrison.