England U18s Hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu scored an outstanding try against Ireland yesterday, in round three of the 2023 U18s Six Nations. Tuipulotu marked his first England U18s start with the amazing solo effort, with the try re-played time and again on social media.
Tuipulotu made the most of his first England U18s start, as England cruised to a 14-56 away victory over hosts Ireland. Yesterday’s action marked the close of round three, with a healthy crowd on talented youngsters watching on at Dublin’s Energia Park.
Tuipulotu’s try has recieved the approaval of the rugby fanbase, highlighting his skills in the midfield. “Expelled from the front row union with immediate effect.” (@simonwilsdon). Tuipulotu has been likened to “a cross between (Ellis) Genge and Manu (Tuilagi), Scary!” (@mickb246) and should go “straight in the men’s team at 12.” (@GerryMohabir).
The London Irish U18s hooker continues to go from strength to strength, as the Exiles front-rower played an integral part in their recent U18s Premiership Rugby title triumph. Tuipulotu’s London Irish teammate Ralph McEachran also made his first England start in the landslide win, as did Bath Rugby’s Billy Sela.
As his surname suggests, ‘Kepu’ Tuipulotu has rugby flowing through his family. Kepu is the son of Sione Tuipulotu, (not the Scotland centre) the former Tongan scrum half who made 28 appearances for the Pacific Islanders. Kepu’s sister Sisilia Tuipulotu currently plays for Gloucester-Hartpury in the Allianz Premier 15s, and made her international debut for Wales at the 2022 Women’s Six Nations.
The current 36-man England Rugby World Cup squad, according to the bookies
Paddy Power are preparing to launch a new market which is sure to get fans excited, offering odds on who’ll make the England Rugby World Cup Squad 2023.
Here’s how the 31-man squad would look according to the odds
ODDS: (England Rugby World Cup Squad 2023)
Props (5):
Ellis Genge 1/50
Kyle Sinckler 1/10
Mako Vunipola 1/5
Will Stuart 1/3
Joe Marler 2/5
Hookers (3):
Jamie George 1/14
Luke Cowan-Dickie 1/6
Jack Walker 5/6
