Those who have been watching Tuipulotu’s barnstorming performances for club and country these past few years, and listened to his passionate, engaging and insightful interviews off the pitch, view his appointment as Scotland captain for the matches against Fiji, South Africa, Portugal and Australia as the most natural step in the world.
Yet the man himself was taken aback when Gregor Townsend pulled him to one side after a Glasgow training session to offer him the role – “I thought I was in trouble” – and share another bit of news, that his brother Mosese was receiving his first Scotland call-up.
In an effort to avoid tempting the fate of injury while playing on Warriors’ recent double-header in South Africa, he kept the news close to his chest.
“When I found out, I only told my dad just because I could have got injured over in South Africa,” Tuipulotu said.
“My dad’s a man of few words and he just said it comes with great responsibility, captaining a country, but I would fit the job.
“Then when I found out the news about Mosese, it was probably just up there with finding out that I’m going to be captain because like myself, I know my own journey, but I know my brother’s journey as well, not just in rugby, but in life.
“I’m so proud of him that he’s come over here and he really enjoys himself at Edinburgh and I know he’s enjoyed his first week at camp. So it’s been massive for my family to see me and him back together.”
