Toutai Kefu - An Overview with Kefu

RugbyKO

For many, rugby has been an incredible outlet where people have found friendship and camaraderie. For Toutai Kefu — arguably the best number 8 that the Wallabies have ever had, transitioning into coaching was a natural step that allowed him to stay connected to the culture that he loves.
Today we speak to Toutai about his career as an illustrious player and prolific coach. Early in our conversation, we chat about his love of coaching and the years he spent in Japan. Touching on his current role as a coach for the World Ten Series, we talk about the 10s format and how its focus on set pieces might attract rugby traditionalists. Following this, we discuss his work at Brisbane Boys’ College, what it’s like to work with his brother, Steve, changes to the Wallabies’ culture, and why forming a Pacific island rugby team is an opportunity to inject excitement into Super Rugby.
After sharing his take that Rugby Australia could have better handled the controversy surrounding Israel Folau, Toutai dives into what he would do if he was in charge of Rugby Australia. With an international career spanning many areas of the game,
tune in to hear more insights from Toutai Kefu, the multi-faceted Tongan talent.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Introducing ex-Wallaby and prolific coach, Toutai Kefu.
• Toutai shares details about his career highlights as a player.
• Living in Japan and what their rugby following looks like.
• Hear what Toutai loves about coaching and how it keeps him connected to the sport.
• Comparing 10s rugby with other formats and why it might appeal to traditionalists.
• What it was like for Toutai to coach Brisbane Boys’ College with his brother.
• How Toutai would coach the Wallabies scrum if he were in charge.
• Why Toutai thinks that a Super Rugby Pacific island team is an incredible idea.
• Courting controversy; why Rugby Australia could have better handled the Israel Folau case.
• Repairing the Australian rugby’s relationship with the grassroots game.
“One of the biggest things that I love about rugby is that camaraderie and friendship. Being a
coach keeps you in that fantastic environment.” — Toutai Kefu [0:05:08]
“Everyone thinks that there will be cultural challenges with creating a Pacific island team but we all get along. We’re all Pacific brothers and we all know that.” — Toutai Kefu [0:13:25]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Toutai Kefu
Tonga National Team
Brisbane Boys’ College
Queensland Country
Kubota Spears
Queensland Reds
World Tens Series
The Season
Steve Kefu
Rod Macqueen
Taniela Tupou
Super Rugby
National Rugby Championship
Rugby Australia
Israel Folau
Qantas
RugbyKO