1. Clinton Toopi was born in Stratford, New Zealand, and began his career playing rugby league with the junior ranks of the Mt Wellington and Otahuhu Leopards clubs.
15 Facts About Clinton Toopi
1. 2.
Clinton Toopi played for Auckland South in the 1999 provincial competition.
3.
Clinton Toopi went on to play 119 games for the club, including the 2002 NRL Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters.
4.
In 2000 Clinton Toopi was part of the Aotearoa Maori side that played at the World Cup.
5.
Clinton Toopi represented New Zealand on twelve occasions between 2001 and 2005.
6.
Clinton Toopi scored three tries in one match against Australia in the 2005 Tri Nations.
7.
Clinton Toopi made his debut on 4 August 2006 against Hull FC.
8.
Clinton Toopi attracted interest from the Japanese rugby union club Sanyo Wild Knights, and expressed interest in joining the Manly Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League competition however he did not secure a contract.
9.
Clinton Toopi instead returned to New Zealand and switched to rugby union, joining the Whakatane Marist team in the Eastern Bay rugby union competition.
10.
Clinton Toopi agreed to join the Gold Coast Titans for 2010.
11.
Clinton Toopi did enough to impress management and earn a one-year contract.
12.
Clinton Toopi again played for the New Zealand Maori in 2010, captaining the side against England.
13.
In 2023, Clinton Toopi participated in season 3 of Match Fit, where former rugby players return to play against the Australian counterparts.
14.
Clinton Toopi joined in the first season that featured former rugby league stars.
15.
Clinton Toopi admitted he didn't take last season seriously enough until he went -15 for metabolic age for the second initial test in a row.