The “Tongan Thor”, Taniela Tupou

‘Tongan Thor’ Taniela Tupou has urged his “haters” to calm down after he confirmed his sensational defection from New Zealand to Australia.

The 18-year-old will join an Australian Super Rugby team next year after rejecting a landmark offer from the New Zealand Rugby Union, which for the first time in history bid top-up money to a sign a schoolboy.

Tupou, the hottest teenage prospect in world rugby, officially ended New Zealand’s hopes of retaining his services on Monday, telling the Daily Telegraph: “I will be coming to Australia, it is the best thing for my family”.

Watch the video of Tupou in action below

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Tupou’s decision has caused an uproar across the Tasman, with internet forums criticising his move or simply downplaying his talent.

“I see all the haters’ comments, what they say about me. Calm down, I’m only 18, I’m still at school.

“It’s hard, I am just trying to go to school, and sometimes the haters’ comments make me feel weak.

“But I have to be strong.”

The Waratahs, Reds, Brumbies and Western Force are all in the running to sign the barnstorming 135kg prop, with only Melbourne Rebels having filled their squad quota for the 2015 season.

Reds coach Richard Graham confirmed his interest in signing Tupou, who had been pursued in New Zealand by the Chiefs and Blues.

“I have been aware of Taniela’s ability since April when the Reds toured New Zealand, I think he is a phenomenal athlete and his YouTube clip in late May was a snippet of what he is capable of,” Graham said.

“Like everyone, we would be interested in bringing a player of his quality into our program.”

The Waratahs, Brumbies and Force did not return calls about Tupou on Monday.

In an extraordinary move, Tupou will walk away from New Zealand despite being offered extra money from the NZRU — the only time they have made such an offer to a schoolboy.

While Tupou has fielded big-money offers from France and England, he said it was best for him and his family to live in Australia, where his older brother Criff works as a miner and will oversee his career.

“I can play there and get help from my brother, and then we can help my mum,” Tupou said.

“It could still be done in New Zealand but it would be harder, and I have always supported the Wallabies, and that makes me want to go to Australia. I just love the Wallabies, I don’t know what it is about them.”

Criff Tupou said: “What people should understand is that this in not about what Nela wants, or what I want, but what is best for our poor little family.

“Playing rugby for New Zealand or Australia will always come second to our family.

“My mum lives in Tonga, she would not handle the weather in New Zealand.

“And I have a good job in Australia and can look after Nela.

“If things don’t work out for him in rugby, what can he do in New Zealand? He is better off in Australia where I can help him get a job.

“New Zealand has more rugby opportunities, but Australia has more work and opportunities, and I need to look after my little brother.

“We haven’t signed a contract with anyone, we will wait and see what offers we get and make a decision soon.”