Kepu Tuipulotu Explained
Kepu Tuipulotu is an English rugby union player who plays as a hooker for Bath Rugby and the England under-18s.
Early life
Born in Pontypool,[1] he was a member of the London Irish academy, in February 2023 they won the under-18 Premiership Rugby title.[2] He attended Harrow School where he captained the first-XV.[3] [4] He made a try scoring debut for the University of Bath playing BUCS Super Rugby in September 2024.[5]
Club career
He joined Bath Rugby for the 2024-25 season.[6] [7] He made his professional debut on 2 November 2024, scoring a hat trick of first half tries in the Premiership Rugby Cup in a 73-0 away win over Ampthill RUFC.[8] [9]
International career
He chose to represent England over Wales, the country of his birth.[10] In April 2023 he made a try-scoring first start playing for England U18s, appearing as a hooker in the under-18s Six Nations.[11]
Personal life
His sister Sisilia Tuipulotu plays for Gloucester-Hartpury Women in the Premier 15s, and made her international debut for Wales at the 2022 Women’s Six Nations. His father, Sione Tuʻipulotu, played for Tonga, winning 29 caps between 1997 and 2008, and played in Wales for Caerphilly RFC (2001–2003) and the Newport Gwent Dragons (2003–2006), while his cousin Carwyn Tuipulotu plays for the Scarlets.[12]
Notes and References
- Web site: Second player born in Wales rejects Warren Gatland for England. Ruck.co.uk. 23 April 2024. 22 April 2024.
- Web site: LONDON IRISH CLAIM PREMIERSHIP RUGBY U18 LEAGUE TITLE AFTER GRIPPING FINAL WIN. Premiership Rugby. May 10, 2023. February 19, 2023.
- Web site: The Daily Telegraph. 11 January 2024. England’s radical plan to create a first-class production line of props, hookers and locks. Charlie. Morgan. 3 October 2023.
- Web site: Wales keen to land dual-qualified young powerhouse who has just scored a truly sensational try for England. Walesonline. 11 January 2024. Steffan. Thomas. 18 April 2023.
- Web site: Internationals impress on debut and Wheeler bags a brace as six-try Bath beat Durham in strong BUCS Super Rugby opener. Team Bath. 2 November 2024. 26 September 2024.
- Web site: WRU desperate to convince Wales international's brother to switch allegiance from England. Bath Rugby. 23 April 2024. Steffan. Thomas. 18 April 2024.
- Web site: Bath Rugby announce superstar academy intake: England captain, Bath U18s league-winning skipper, schoolboy champ . Somersetlive. 24 April 2024. John. Evely. 23 April 2024.
- Web site: John. Evely. 6 November 2024. Bath Rugby's young guns challenged to back up Ampthill win when Bristol Bears come to town. Somerset Live. 12 November 2024.
- Web site: 2 November 2024. BBC Sport. Ealing beat Saracens in Premiership Rugby Cup. 2 November 2024.
- Web site: Second player born in Wales rejects Warren Gatland for England. Ruck.co.uk. 2 November 2024. 22 April 2024.
- Web site: “Remember the Name” England U18s Hooker Scores Outstanding Solo Try on First Start for his Country. Ruck.Co.Uk. April 17, 2023. Tom. Sansom. April 18, 2023.
- News: Mark . Orders . New Tuipulotu giant blows people away as 17st 11lb Welsh girl tears up England's top competition . Wales Online . Media Wales . 20 December 2021 . 2 February 2022 .
