George Tupou V July 2008, a "Taumafa Kava" (Royal Kava Ring ceremony) was held on Malaʻe Pangai, the open space to the east of the Royal Palace. During the ceremony, Tupou V sat on a pile of handwoven "pandanus" mats in an open pavilion facing the sea, while more than 200 Tongan nobles and chiefs dressed in woven skirts and sea shells circled him. He wore the traditional Tongan "ta'ovala" (woven mat skirt) and a garland of flowers. During this ceremony, Tupou V was formally recognised as the "Tuʻi Kanokupolu", and the rightful descendent of King George Tupou I, who united Tonga in
Christian Tupou agent in 2012. Tupou received his first NFL start in the preseason against the Cleveland Browns and recorded a sack. He was released in 2013. Tupou was signed to the practice squad on January 3, 2014. Tupou was signed to 49ers roster on January 22, 2014. Tupou was released by the 49ers to make room for Josh Johnson on May 14, 2014. Tupou signed with the Arizona Cardinals in May 2014. The Cardinals released Tupou on August 30, 2014, but he shortly re-signed to their practice squad. Tupou was signed to the Cleveland Browns practice squad on October 17, 2014.