Sekope Kepu

Sekope Kepu, an internationally renowned rugby union player, was born on February 5, 1986, in Sydney, Australia. Kepu has gone on to have a remarkable career in rugby, known for his powerful presence as a prop. He has been a significant player for the Australian national team, earning over 100 caps. Kepu's influence extends beyond just his on-field performance, as he is also seen as a leader and a representative of the Polynesian community within rugby.

On June 14, 2008, Sekope Kepu made his test debut for the Australian national rugby union team, also known as the Wallabies. This debut marked the beginning of Kepu's illustrious international career, where he would go on to earn 110 caps for Australia over a decade-long run. His debut was against Italy, showcasing his skills as a formidable scrummager and ball carrier, traits that would come to define his style of play.

In the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Sekope Kepu played a key match against Italy on September 11, 2011. As a crucial member of the Wallabies' forward pack, Kepu contributed significantly to Australia's 32-6 victory over Italy. His strong scrummaging and dynamic open play were critical in securing a positive start to the tournament for Australia. Kepu's performance in the World Cup solidified his reputation as one of the top props in international rugby.

Sekope Kepu was an instrumental part of the Australian squad during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. On October 31, 2015, he played in the World Cup final against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium, London. Although the Wallabies were defeated 34-17 by the All Blacks, Kepu's performance throughout the tournament, including the final, was notable for his strong scrummaging and ability to compete at the highest level of the sport. This final was significant as it marked Kepu's contribution to taking Australia to the last stage of the World Cup.

On June 25, 2016, Sekope Kepu achieved a significant milestone in his rugby career by earning his 50th cap for the Wallabies. This was during a test match against England, which was played at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Reaching 50 caps is a testament to Kepu's endurance, skill, and importance to the Australian team over the years. His ability to maintain a high level of performance consistently has made him one of the most respected props in international rugby.

Sekope Kepu became only the ninth Australian player to achieve 100 test caps on November 10, 2018. This historic match took place against Wales at the Principality Stadium. Achieving this milestone highlighted Kepu's durability and excellence over an international career spanning a decade. Kepu's consistent and high-level performances in the front row contributed massively to his longevity in the sport, and he is celebrated as one of Australia's rugby greats.

Sekope Kepu played his final test match for the Wallabies on October 19, 2019, in a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal against England in Oita, Japan. Although Australia lost 40-16, marking the end of their World Cup run, Kepu was celebrated for his extensive contributions to the team. Over his career, Kepu has been recognized for his scrummaging power, sportsmanship, and leadership on and off the field. His retirement from international rugby left a lasting legacy.

In January 2020, Sekope Kepu joined London Irish, a professional rugby union club based in London, England. This move marked a new chapter in Kepu's rugby career, transitioning to play in the English Premiership after many years with the Waratahs and Wallabies. At London Irish, Kepu brought his wealth of experience and leadership skills, continuing to demonstrate his abilities in the top-tier rugby competitions outside of Australia.

On August 18, 2021, Sekope Kepu was announced as the inaugural captain of Moana Pasifika, a new Super Rugby team representing Pacific Island nations. This role highlights Kepu's leadership abilities and his commitment to promoting Pacific Islander representation in top-level rugby. As captain, Kepu aimed to lead the team both on and off the field, fostering talent and advocating for the Pacific communities that contribute so vibrantly to the sport.

On March 25, 2023, Moana Pasifika secured their first win of the season against the Fijian Drua, a significant achievement with Sekope Kepu as captain. The victory was not just a testament to the team's growing strength but also to Kepu's leadership and the strategic development of the team. Kepu's experience and passion for the game have been crucial in nurturing a competitive and cohesive unit, able to succeed at the Super Rugby level.