(Reuters) – Veteran worldwide prop Sekope Kepu has been named captain of New Zealand’s Moana Pasifika for his or her debut Super League season, the team introduced on Wednesday.
Kepu, a three-time Australian World Cup campaigner with 110 check appearances for the Wallabies, stated he jumped on the alternative to steer the fledgling team, which includes primarily Tongan and Samoan gamers.
“Here is an indescribable bond of brotherhood on this particular team despite the fact that we’ve been collectively for less than a brief couple of months at most,” the 35-year-old stated on the team’s web site.
“Coming again to New Zealand I by no means thought I’d play rugby once more. God works in mysterious methods, to be right here after which known as into the Moana Pasifika team, it was one thing I did not suppose twice about.”
Moana coach Aaron Mauger stated Kepu had just about chosen himself as captain.
“Right from the outset, he has led by instance – each in the way in which he trains, prepares, and in the way in which he contributes to the tradition of our team.
“In doing this, he has successfully picked himself as chief.”
Kepu was born in Sydney to Tongan mother and father. Though the household moved to New Zealand when he was younger, he later opted to characterize Australia internationally.
He additionally performed Super Rugby for greater than decade for the Sydney-based Waratahs.
The Auckland-based Pasifika will play their opening match towards the ACT Brumbies on Feb. 18.
They be part of Fijian Drua within the new 12-team Super Rugby Pacific competitors that includes Australia and New Zealand’s skilled sides.
(Reporting by Andrew Both in Adelaide; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
