All Whites defender Tuiloma to Phoenix
- editor59343
- 17 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Wellington Phoenix have secured the signature of 47-cap All Whites defender Bill Tuiloma through until the end of the 2027-28 A-League season.
It's a long-awaited homecoming for Tuiloma, 30, who has played more than 200 professional matches in France and the USA over the past 12 and a half years since joining Olympique de Marseille as an 18-year-old in 2013.
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Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano says Tuiloma ticks all of the boxes for a defender playing in a back three.
“Bill will bring quality and experience to our backline,” Italiano said.
“His ability with the ball is one of his biggest assets. He’ll add to the way we build up, which is very important.
“Bill wants to be part of the All Whites squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup so he’s very motivated to be here and play a run of games.
“He also has international experience and is a really good age as well. It’s great to have him in Wellington.”
Bill Tuiloma arrived in the capital on Sunday and started training with his new Nix teammates on Tuesday.
“I’m excited to be in Wellington and I’m grateful for the opportunity the Phoenix have given me,” Tuiloma said.
“I’m ready to play, win games and help the team as much as I can on and off the pitch.
“I know it’s been a rollercoaster so far this season, but the Phoenix have the players and the quality and I can’t wait to start playing and hopefully help the team go all the way and win a trophy.”
He is also looking forward to being able to have his mum and dad watch him play every second week.
“Outside of a handful of games for the All Whites I haven’t played in front of my family in New Zealand.
“It’s special to be able to come home and be able to play in front of not only a big crowd of Phoenix fans, but my family as well.”
As well as his family, Tuiloma is reuniting with fellow defender Tim Payne and club captain Alex Rufer, who he played with at the Asia Pacific Football Academy in Christchurch, the precursor to the club’s own academy.
“I remember this skinny white kid coming into the academy. I’ve known Rufer for a very long time and it’s good to be able to play with him again.
“I also know Payney from when we played together at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico and at Waitakere United.
“They’re great guys and I’m excited to play with them and the rest of the team.
“When the interest from the Phoenix came about, I quietly talked to both of them about what Wellington’s like. They were really on to me about wanting me to sign with the Phoenix.”
He is on board with the team’s high defensive line.
“I’ve got a lot of experience playing a high line. I’m not new to the tactic.
“I spoke to Chief and we had a really good talk. He has his tactics and he definitely has the players to do it.
“They did a really good job in their last game against Brisbane. It works and it comes down to the players to execute it on the pitch.”
Tuiloma will have to wait for the A-League’s mid-season registration window to open on Wednesday (January 14) before he can make his Phoenix debut.
“I am aware the window opens on the 14th so I’ve got 10 days or so to knuckle down, get training and push for gametime.
“The last six weeks I’ve been working hard and staying on top of my cardio to make sure I put myself in the best position to make this transition to the A-League.
“I want to be ready to rock and roll for the Phoenix.”