Tafa was born in Apia, Samoa, but moved to New Zealand as a child, where he attended Kelston [Boys' High School] playing rugby for the first XV and being named in the New Zealand Schools Barbarians side in 2020. While at school he also played rugby league for the New Zealand Warriors junior sides. After leaving school, he joined up with the Blues academy, representing their U18 side in 2021, and the U20 side in 2023. He plays his club rugby for Massey in the North Harbour region.