Former Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu has joined Christian Lealiifano as a foundation player at Moana Pasifika, for their inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign next year.
Ex-Brumbies playmaker Lealiifano was the first big name to formally commit to the expansion franchise, with Kepu – Australia’s most capped prop – announced on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old has 110 Test caps to his name, last playing for Australia at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Making 141 appearances with NSW between 2008 and 2019, Kepu cut short his contract with London Irish earlier this year and shifted to New Zealand for “personal family health reasons”.
He signed with NPC club Counties Manukau for the 2021 season before linking with Moana Pasifika, who will be based in Auckland.
“Kepu has played 295 professional matches since his debut in 2006 and bring with him a wealth of knowledge to impart on our exciting, young squad,” Moana Pasifika announced on social media.
Moana Pasifika also confirmed the signings of Manu Samoa internationals Henry Taefu, Neria Foma’i and Tomasi Alosio.
The team will be coached by former All Blacks and Crusaders star Aaron Mauger.
MORE TO COME
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Some good signings for MP. However, with his coaching history, is Aaron Mauger the right coach for this team?
Rota
Guest
Yes excellent suggestion! This is what Super Rugby needs to be about. I’m a person of Samoan heritage living in Australia and the Super Rugby Au season was one of the most popular I’ve gained observationally and anecdotally gained insight on. It was very well backed, as it was an exciting domestic competition. Newsflash - Australian clubs getting flogged by NZ clubs (usually) runs out of fuel quickly (that means money runs out). This is about the only way you can have a SR comp that isn’t domestic. So Aus and NZ better put in big time. Otherwise the solution is quite clear - keep it domestic.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
If Moana are competitive then there will be no shortage of decent players knocking on the door.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
I hope they ask Billy Vunipola. Always said his first love is Tonga, clocks ticking on his England career, and he's also a bit of rebel.
Nigel
Guest
Samoa and Tonga make up Moana Pacifica and Fiji stands alone with its own franchise, The Drua.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Moana Pasifika is a Polynesian term MP is for Polynesian players, Fijians have their own team. But there is scope for MP to recruit outside Samoan and Tonga to Maori and even non-Islanders. In time that may change but at the moment MP are trying to field a competitive squad.
Bluesfan
Saw a rumour that Ma Nonu could be signing up as well. Bit old at 39, but will be great for the young players to have around.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Wonder how many Anglos will get a shot in this inclusive team ? :happy:
Pasifika Represent
Guest
Next signings to be Quade Cooper (anyone in Drua or Moana need a 10?), Folau (Moana), Samu Kerevi (Drua) and future signings: Marika Koroibete (Drua), Isi Naisarani (Drua), Sitaleki Timani (Moana). Just a few to get things going for the new franchises! It’s the least you could do!
potsie
Guest
No, Moana aligns to Polynesia - Samoa, Tonga, Cooks, New Zealand, Niue etc.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Well done Keps. A great of Australian rugby.
Double Agent
Guest
Part of the monster pack of Waratahs 2014. Every time I think of that pack I smile!
Bring it on
Guest
If I was Moana I would have Israel Folau on my immediate list to pick up too. If I was Drua and the bank I would have Samu Kerevi (very keen to head back to Fiji by all accounts).
Reality
Guest
No, Moana aligns to Samoa and Drua aligns to Fiji. And it’s about time NZ and Aus did give something back. Given the amazing talent out of Samoa and Fiji that helped build Super Rugby (not to mention NZ and Aus rugby).
jameswm
Roar Guru
Terrific work ethic too. I saw him training on his own at one of the Randwick grounds once - coming back from injury, good to see. Quality guy that I believe the Pasifika players really look up to. I can't remember if it was when he was at the Tahs or Wallabies, and I think it was the Wallabies, but I recall the players saying Kepu is top dog among the Pasifika players. Taf was 2nd.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Moana Pasifika is the Auckland based, non-Fiji team that aligns more closely to NZ. Fiji Drua is the Fiji team that played in the NRC and will now be joining Super Rugby and aligns more closely to AU. I haven't seen where they will be based next year but rumours placed them in western Sydney.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Based out of Auckland, so no.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
“Players who identify with Pacific island nations (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moana_Pasifika) I believe Kepu is of Tongan heritage and Lealiifano of Samoan.
biltong
Guest
I remember that WL, I would have thought those players would be eligible? This team isn't a sixth Franchise for OZ, is it?
Wallabies_Larkham
Roar Rookie
Hi biltong...I think there is another team called Fijian drua that played in the NRC