Paea joined the Blue & Blacks from Moana Pasifika in the summer of 2026, with a reputation for his tireless work-rate, physicality, athleticism and leadership.

Signed predominantly as a 4-6, the Tongan international has the ability to play across the back-row.

He came through the system at Bay of Plenty and played second-row for their title-winning Under-19 team in 2019. He enjoyed a breakthrough year for the senior squad in 2021, also making his international debut for Tonga.

However, following a visa delay, Paea missed Bay of Plenty’s 2022 season and instead took an opportunity with New Jersey Free Jacks, where he played alongside Le Roux Malan and won an MLR title, making 13 appearances in the process.

During the past two seasons, Paea has established himself as an important figure on and off the pitch for Bay of Plenty and Moana Pasifika, where he has made 11 appearances in Super Rugby Pacific 2026.

Paea follows in the footsteps of a long line of Tongan players to star in the Welsh capital and he is relishing the opportunity.