In the burgeoning world of rugby talent, one name poised to ascend to prominence is England U18s hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu, hailing from Pontypool.
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While not yet a household name, the 17-year-old’s trajectory suggests he’s destined for greatness, following in the footsteps of his rugby lineage.
Son to former Dragons and Worcester center Sione Tuipulotu, and sibling to Wales international Sisilia, Kepueli’s roots run deep in the sport. Currently navigating his final year at the esteemed Harrow School, the young prodigy was also a prised asset within the London Irish academy, renowned for its knack in nurturing top-tier talent across Britain and Ireland.
Recent reports hint at a significant move for Tuipulotu, with speculation swirling that he has inked a deal with Bath RFC. Sources close to the situation, cited by RUCK, suggest that despite his Welsh heritage, Tuipulotu is steadfast in his commitment to donning the red rose over the dragon.
This potential decision mirrors the recent choice of another Wales-born player, Immanuel Fey-Wabaso, who electrified the 2024 Six Nations stage with England. However, Tuipulotu’s motivations extend beyond the rugby field, with whispers of a complex personal situation emerging.
Allegedly, Tuipulotu’s preference for England stems not only from his burgeoning rugby career but also from the delicate balance he seeks to maintain with his medical studies.
At just 21 years old, Fey-Wabaso, currently making waves with the Exeter Chiefs, juggles a rigorous medicine degree at Exeter University alongside his burgeoning rugby stardom, underscoring the multifaceted nature of these rising talents’ aspirations.
As Tuipulotu navigates the crossroads of national allegiance and personal ambition, his trajectory serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate decisions faced by modern-day rugby stars, where the pursuit of excellence transcends the confines of the field.
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#1. Ryan Wilson
Remembering the incident, Marler said: “It’s become an incredibly hostile rivalry (England and Scotland) and I love it. The niggle goes back to the night in 2018 when Ryan Wilson picked on George Ford in the tunnel.
“Unfortunately, I was plodding back with a belly full of cheese toastie so I was nowhere near to intervene when Wilson started dishing it out in his thick Scottish-Surrey accent.”
Wilson later revealed he was banned from Twickenham following the incident.
“I remember that game, I was actually injured and after tunnel-gate, after everything that happened in the tunnel against England, I’d lined up a corporate gig at Twickenham,” he recalled to Rugby Pass in November.
“Had it all lined up, a little bit of cash, all excited, only to get a message back saying the RFU have banned you from Twickenham Stadium after everything that happened the year before.”