Tongan utility back Taniela Filimone played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2024. He represented the New England Free Jacks (2023) and the NOLA Gold (2024).

Filimone played rugby growing up in Tonga on the island of Lofanga, earning a scholarship to Rotorua in New Zealand where he honed his game. He played with the Bay of Plenty U19 side, winning a National Championship in 2018, and has represented Tonga at U20 level. At senior level he has represented Bay of Plenty and Manawatu Turbos in New Zealand’s NPC competition, and has spent time with the Chiefs in Super Rugby as a replacement player.

Filimone signed with the New England Free Jacks ahead of the 2023 MLR season, starting 8 of his  caps in his debut season and scoring 3 tries en route to the Free Jacks’ first ever MLR Shield, defeating the San Diego Legion 24-25 in Chicago. In February 2024, shortly before the start of the 2024 MLR season, Filimone was traded by New England to the NOLA Gold in exchange for 2024 Salary Cap Considerations (unknown). He enjoyed a stand-out season in New Orleans, spending almost the entire season in the league’s Top 10 try scorers with 11 tries in 16 regular season games (all starts), finishing T-3rd for Tries Scored and 9th in MLR with 1071m gained in possession. For his efforts in this stand-out season, Filimone was named as the 2024 NOLA Gold Back of the Year as well as earning a spot in the All-MLR First XV that season.

On 22nd May 2024, mid-way through that year’s regular season, the Gold announced that they had signed Filimone to a long-term contract through the 2027 MLR season. on June 30th, the Manawatu Turbos announced that Filimone would be returning for their 2024 Bunnings NPC season, where many players ply their trade during the MLR offseason. Although intending to return to MLR for 2025, Filimone was included in the extended squad for the Highlanders in Super Rugby. His contract runs through 2027 so assuming it’s not void, there’s a possibility of Filimone returning to MLR in the future.

achievements

• 2024 All-MLR First XV
• T-3rd in MLR Try Scoring: 2024 (11)
• 9th in MLR Meters Gained: 2024 (1,071m)
• 2024 NOLA Gold Back of the Year
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 16
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 9
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 4
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 1
• 2023 MLR Champion: New England Free Jacks