Born in Auckland, Nafi Tuitavake attended the renowned Massey High School, before making his senior professional debut at just 19 years old. As a winger for North Harbour, Tuitavake’s influence on the outside channels convinced coaches to move him into the midfield, and after starring for New Zealand at the World Rugby U20 Championships, Nafi racked up 66 appearances in the Mitre 10 Cup. A spell with the New Zealand Sevens squad was followed by a stint at Agen, which showed that the powerful ball-carrier not only beats opponents with pace or power, but can also act as an intelligent distributor at inside centre.

Nafi thrived in the physicality and intensity of the Top 14, leading the Crusaders to bring him to Canterbury for two successful Super Rugby campaigns. A fan favourite at Narbonne during a short stint in Pro D2, the Tongan international spent three seasons at the Northampton Saints, where he showed his wares against the best that Europe has to offer. Tuitavake’s performance at the 2019 Rugby World up showed him at his brutal best, and when the Bulls looked to bolster their ranks with experience ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season, they pulled out all the stops to bring the electrifying game-breaker to Pretoria.