Tuipulotu is regarded as one of Wales’ most exciting young talents, with women’s head coach Ioan Cunningham saying she could have a “massive” impact despite being so young.
And it was Cunningham who broke the news of the contract to the youngster, interrupting a university lecture in the process.
“I didn’t answer the first time because the professor was in the middle of talking,” Tuipulotu said. “So I asked if I could step outside to call him back.
“I was shocked at first. After the phone call, I cried. Then I called my dad, and he cried too!”
Tuipulotu and Wales are preparing for the start of the Six Nations, which comes on the last weekend of March, followed by the World Cup in October.
With five tries to her name in the Allianz Premier 15s for Gloucester-Hartpury, a Wales retainer contract agreed and potentially an international debut to come, Tuipulotu has had a whirlwind few months.
“Overwhelming is definitely the word I would use. It’s been a lot to take in, but I’m so thankful for every opportunity,” she said. “Playing in the Six Nations would be so good. The way I’m performing, hopefully I get my first cap, but I know I’ve got to keep working hard for it.”
Despite all the hard work on the rugby pitch and in the lecture hall, Tuipulotu has time for another hobby.
“I lead on the TikToks in the group now, which is really good fun,” she said.
“Whenever I do them, Keira Bevan is always the first one up for it. She loves a TikTok dance.”