Experienced Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu has been released from the final two years of his contract with Bordeaux to again link up with the Waratahs – the club with which he won the 2014 Super Rugby title.
The 63 Test veteran, who is presently in the country as part of the 39-man Wallabies squad, will join the Tahs in 2017, on a three-season deal.
“I’m delighted that Keps is returning to Australia, and happy to welcome him back to the Waratahs,” said Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson.
“He will be a great addition to the squad and will strengthen our front row options.
“I’m sure he would have grown from the experience in France, where there is a real scrum culture. It can only benefit our young props in Tom Robertson and Matt Sandell, as he helps grow and pass on his knowledge.”
Kepu’s deal with the Bordeaux Begles began at the completion of last year’s World Cup, but the club reluctantly released him due to “family reasons”.
“President Laurent Marti and Sekope Kepu today signed a contract termination amendment on their previous deal which bound them until 2018,” read a statement from Bordeaux.
“This termination was carried out at the request of the player who wished to return to Australia for family reasons.
“UBB regrets this decision but wanted to respect the family balance of the player. Both parties leave each other on very good terms and UBB wish good luck to Sekope Kepu for the rest of his career.”
Squirrel
Guest
Kepu is average but that is good enough for the wallabies front row
ken
Guest
Who are those nobodies?
ken
Guest
Oh dear...Kepu has been woeful in France but nevermind that, he`ll parachute straight into the starting team ...Tough luck Holmesy
ropa22
Guest
Hes a grubby player. Should have been sent off twice in the world cup final. But didnt. Karma will hot hard on him.
Geoff
Roar Rookie
So the thug is back, hopefully see more of his high/ late tackle technique next year and a nice long ban.
CUW
Guest
quite a lot of SH guys over in NH doing well. Take Jimmy Gopperth - he was not setting super rugger alight , but is considered a vital team member in england. even leroy houston, why did Cheika went to see him play? becoz he was doing much better than he did in auzzy. look at Tank Waldrom , the highest try scorer in Avivva. Mcalister, Botica Bowden..... odd case was Donald - an allblack who did not really play well there :)
Boz the Younger
Guest
He is already World 15 standard, no further investment required by anybody. He came, he played and he left, they got their money's worth for the time served.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
How is he still playing, should have been suspended fro 12 months after that WRC final eh? (Maybe that's why he went to France temporarily - to escape a ban ????)
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Its okay NB, he was a referee apparently.. all bitter and twisted...
Paulo
Roar Rookie
+1
Loup
Guest
He never really stood out in his year at the Force but he really took European rugby by storm
nickoldschool
Guest
Haha good on you. Great story Charlie and great chat thanks!
PeterK
Roar Guru
sure but it was looking like both were staying o/s
Michael R
Guest
Sekope Kepu has been one of the best Wallaby tight-heads in the last 25 years - or more - IMHO. I am thinking others are Ewen McKenzie, Andrew Blades, Rod Moore, Ben Darwin, Al Baxter. I think he should be allowed to go where he wants - without us judging his reasons for doing so.
Charlie Turner
Guest
Nick, what you say makes sense. I've spent quite a bit of time in Pau as I worked for a French company for many years and they had offices and training facilities there, I loved it. The surf of Biarritz and the Basque Country was the big attraction for me. I grew up on cattle station in NW Qld so I've shot a few "wild boards" and eaten a bit of (corned) beef tongue too. Cheers mate.
Bakkies
Guest
Nope not from them. Bakkies himself said it after he retired last year
Jake
Guest
He obviously has caught a case of surrender- itis.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
This is great news.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Pretty sure he played a couple of games for the force before he went to France.
Charlie Turner
Guest
I'd hazard a guess they (farmers) are the exception. Do you live in SA Bakkies?