Born in
Tonga, Taumoepeau emigrated to
New Zealand in 1997. Taumoepeau was a shock selection in the 2004 end-of-year
All Blacks squad after having only made his debut that season in provincial rugby's
Air New Zealand Cup and having yet to play
Super Rugby. He first made his name as a
loosehead prop, but made his debut as a hooker for the
Junior All Blacks. He played his rugby for
Auckland at provincial level and the
Blues at
Super 14 level before moving to French club
Toulon. While considered to be on the smaller side of the scale compared to most international props in terms of physical size, Taumoepeau has made a reputation for being a devastating scrummager via technique and brute strength. He also proved to be a reliable hooker for both
Auckland, the
Blues and at
Junior All Blacks level. Taumoepeau signed with
Toulon in 2007, having joined them after that year's New Zealand season and won the French
Pro D2 Championship 2007–2008. He played for
Castres Olympique between 2011 and 2016, and won the French
top 14 Championship in 2012–13. ==Honours==