Tupou's house destroyed in Cyclone Gita

Tue, Feb 13, 2018, 11:01 PM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Taniela Tupou's family are suffering from Cyclone Gita. Photo: Getty Images
Taniela Tupou's family are suffering from Cyclone Gita. Photo: Getty Images

Reds prop Taniela Tupou has issued an emotional plea for help after his family's house was destroyed in Cyclone Gita.

Tupou posted on Facebook on Monday night that his family was already being affected by the storm, before the major damage even began.

"Just got off the phone with my brother from Tonga," he wrote.

"Our house is gone already and the cyclone is not even there yet. Not exactly what I wanted to hear but much love to all my Fams (sic) back home."


The 21-year-old has begun a GoFundMe page to help his family recover.

"Hi family and friends, my home country (Tonga) was recently affected by Cyclone Gita which caused catastrophic damage to our family home," he said.

"To simply put it our house was completely destroyed. My Family and I are asking for your help to rebuild whatever we can. No amount is too small we are grateful for anything that can help us."

Tupou is not the only player affected by the cyclones, with Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu posting his support for those in the midst of the storm, and a number of Super Rugby players with Tongan and Samoan heritage.

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