 In 2011, under a full contract he played in 10 of the Reds 18 games, including the final, and formed a strong combination with Wallaby centre Anthony Fainga'a.In 2011 Reds acknowledged Tapuai's emerging talents - strong defence, straight ball running and accurate left boot, and he received the Reds award for Most Improved Player.Later in 2011, Tapuai made his debut for the Wallabies, in Australia's 60-11 win against the Barbarians at Twickenham.