While playing for Auckland’s Sacred Heart College First XV in 2014, he became an internet sensation for his three tries against Kelston Boys High School, earning him the nickname "Tongan Thor".
[1] On 22 June 2014, he was named in the Pacific Barbarians squad, captained by All Black legend Justin Marshall, to play Tonga during the 2014 mid-year rugby union internationals.
The following month Tupou was given a deadline to sign a loyalty agreement to be eligible for the New Zealand Schoolboys team.
[4] Michael Cheika, head coach of the New South Wales Waratahs commented that he had an eye on Tupou well before he emerged on television with his three-try effort,[5] but on 12 September 2014 Tupou was officially named in the Queensland Reds squad for the 2015 season.
[11] His strong NRC form for Queensland Country the following year led to his international debut for the Wallabies against Scotland at Murrayfield on 24 November 2017.