About Our Rugby Program

The Hills Sports High School’s Rugby Union and Rugby 7s Program develops student-athletes into disciplined, intelligent, and resilient young players who thrive both on and off the field.
We focus on creating complete student-athletes — balancing elite sporting pathways with academic success, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Our Rugby Program provides:

• High-performance training that mirrors professional standards.
• Dedicated Strength & Conditioning, Sports Psychology and Nutrition support.
• Game analysis and tactical development using the latest technology.
• Pathway opportunities through NSW Rugby, Rugby Australia and international schools’ networks.
• A strong values-based culture, where teamwork, respect, humility and hard work are non-negotiable.

Students train twice a week within school hours, gaining access to expert coaching, individual feedback, and specialised 7s and 15s development programs. Each athlete is encouraged to understand their role within the team structure and how their performance contributes to a greater collective purpose.

Our Rugby Union and 7s athletes proudly represent The Hills Sports High School at state and national levels, continuing the tradition of excellence that defines our school.

Meet Our Head Coach – Teki Tuipulotu

Teki Tuipulotu brings an exceptional level of international experience and professionalism to The Hills Sports High School Rugby Program. A former 50-cap international for Tonga and three-time Rugby World Cup representative (1995 – 2003), Teki’s career spans elite playing, professional coaching and national program development.

Playing Career Highlights

• Represented Tonga in three Rugby World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003)
• Played professionally for Leeds Carnegie and Worcester Warriors in the UK
• Notably kicked the winning field goal against Italy in the 1999 Rugby World Cup
• Played Rugby League for Leeds Rhinos in the Super League (1996)

Coaching Achievements

• Head Coach, Tonga 7s (World Series Wellington & Hong Kong 2012) – first Tongan coach to top a pool at an HSBC World Series event.
• Backs Coach and Assistant Coach, Tonga National Team (Ikale Tahi) in Pacific Nations Cup campaigns.
• Director of Rugby, Sydney University Women’s Rugby (2022–2025) and Western Sydney Two Blues Women (2026 – current).
• Rugby Director at The Hills Sports High School since 2018, overseeing both the Union and 7s pathways.

Coaching Philosophy

Teki’s approach combines discipline, respect, and technical excellence. His programs focus on:

• Player Development: Tailoring support for each athlete to maximise potential.
• Talent Identification: Building teams based on balance and complementary skillsets.
• Coach Education: Developing young coaches and mentors within our school.
• Cultural Pride & Leadership: Embedding values of community, family and resilience through sport.

Coach – Josh Petero

Josh Petero adds dynamic, high-level experience from both professional 15s and 7s rugby.

• Shute Shield Rugby player with Northern Suburbs (2021–2022) and West Harbour (2019–2020).
• Finalist in multiple elite 7s tournaments, including the Kiama 7s (2021 & 2020), Hamilton 7s, Queanbeyan Cup, and Bowral 7s (2019 Champions).
• Represented the Cook Islands Rugby Sevens (2014–2015) — competing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as the youngest 7s player in the tournament.
• Competed internationally at the Hong Kong Sevens and Borneo Sevens (Malaysia).
• Played and trained with the NSW Waratahs Sevens Program (2016–2019) — earning multiple cup-final appearances.
  Josh’s professional background and global experience make him an invaluable addition to our rugby coaching staff, particularly in developing explosive play, tactical awareness and professional habits within our student-athletes.

Why Train Under Teki Tuipulotu at The Hills Sports High School?

Students gain first-hand insight from one of the Pacific’s most respected rugby minds, learning not only how to perform but how to think and live like a professional. Teki’s leadership ensures that every player — from beginners to elite prospects — receives world-class instruction, cultural grounding, and mentorship that lasts beyond their schooling years.

At The Hills Sports High School, our Rugby Union and Rugby 7s program continues to grow under his guidance, producing confident, capable and community-minded young athletes ready to tackle the next level.