Junior Kpoku Explained

Junior Kpoku
Birth Date:10 September 2005[1]
Height:2.04m (06.69feet)[2]
Weight:119kg (262lb)
School:Finborough School
Relatives:Joel Kpoku
Jonathan Kpoku
Position:Lock
Currentclub:Racing 92
Years1:2023-2023
Apps1:1
Years2:2024-
Clubs2:Racing 92
Apps2:2
Repyears1:2022–
Repcaps1:4
Clubupdate:16 March 2024
Repupdate:Honours = U-20 World Rugby Championship

Junior Kpoku (born 10 September 2005) is an English rugby union player who plays for Racing 92 and the England national under-20 rugby union team.

Early life

He attended Finborough School near Stowmarket, with whom he reached the National U18s Cup semi-final in 2023. And he also attended ashmole academy in Southgate in north London. [3]

Career

Kpoku was a member of the Saracens academy.[4] He signed with Exeter Chiefs in August 2023.[5] He joined Racing 92 in October 2023.[6] He made his Top 14 debut in the Paris derby against Stade Francais in February 2024.[7]

International career

He was a member of the England national under-20 rugby union team which won the 2024 Six Nations Under 20s Championship.[8] [9] [10] He was part of the England U20 side that won the 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.[11] [12]

Personal life

His parents are from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is the younger brother of rugby players Jonathan Kpoku and Joel Kpoku.[13]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: J.Kpoku. itsrugby. 16 March 2024.
  2. Web site: All.Rugby. J.Kpoku. 16 March 2024.
  3. Web site: East Anglian Daily Times. 16 March 2024. Four Finborough School students sign Exeter Chiefs contract. 6 August 2023. Tom. Cann.
  4. Web site: 'I don't speak to anyone at Saracens… they didn't make the effort'. Rugby Pass. 16 March 2024. Liam. Heagney. 17 December 2022 .
  5. Web site: "Exciting talent" – Exeter Chiefs confirm four new signings. 2 August 2023. Ruck. 16 March 2024.
  6. Web site: Giant forward leaves Exeter Chiefs for French Top 14. Devon Live. 16 March 2024. 24 October 2023. John. Evely.
  7. Web site: Top 14: Max Spring in the fray for the derby between Racing 92 and Stade Français. le figaro. 16 March 2024. 23 February 2024.
  8. Web site: 15 March 2024. Under-20 Six Nations: England come from behind to beat France and clinch title. BBC Sport. 16 March 2024.
  9. Web site: The Times. 'They're all freaks' – the England pack driving towards Under-20 title. Will. Kelleher. 14 March 2024. 16 March 2024.
  10. Web site: England U20s explain their selection of Paris-based Junior Kpoku. Rugby Pass. 16 March 2024. Liam. Heagney. 25 January 2024.
  11. Web site: England dominate France to claim fourth World Rugby under-20 title. The Guardian. 20 July 2024. Gerard. Meagher. 19 July 2024.
  12. Web site: 19 July 2024. England overpower France to win Under-20 World Cup. BBC Sport. 20 July 2024.
  13. Web site: Youngest Kpoku brother plays for England U20s – but may have been lost to France already. Charlie. Morgan. 6 March 2024. 16 March 2024. Daily Telegraph.