Christ Tshiunza
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.jpg) Christ Tshiunza | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 9 January 2002 Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 2.10 m (6 ft 10+1⁄2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 164 kg (25.8 st; 362 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Whitchurch High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of Exeter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Christ Tshiunza (born 9 January 2002) is a Welsh with dual French-Congolese[1] nationalities rugby union player who plays as a lock or flanker for Exeter Chiefs in the English Premiership. Tshiunza has represented Wales and Wales U20. Tshiunza competed in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.[2]
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to a Congolese family, he moved to Wales in 2010. Tshiunza holds both French and Congolese nationalities from his parents. Tshiunza speaks 3 languages.[1] He attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff.[1]
In an interview with The Times, he said: “I can’t even paint the picture. There were six of us in a one-bedroom flat. We put a single bed on the floor that I would share, two or three on the bed... Fitting in at the start was strange because you can’t communicate. I played football and tried to make friends that way. It was tough to start off with. But everyone in my primary school made an effort. Imagine being friends with someone you couldn’t speak to. I found everyone was really nice and that is why Wales resonates with my heart.”[3]
Club career
He was part of the Cardiff Blues academy, before going to study at University of Exeter, where he was signed by the Chiefs on a four-year contract.
On 18 September 2021, Tshiunza made his debut for Exeter Chiefs, appearing off the bench against Leicester Tigers.[4]
Tshiunza was named man of the match on 25 September 2022, as the Chiefs beat Premiership champions Harlequins 43–42, as he scored the winning try after full time.[5] He scored his first try in the Champions Cup on 21 January 2023, as the Chiefs beat Castres 40–3 to secure their place in the knockouts.[6]
On 26 March 2026, Tshiunza would leave Exeter Chiefs to join Premiership rivals Sale Sharks for the 2026-27 season.[7]
