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Wallabies prop Kepu's Premiership switch confirmed

Sekope Kepu is leaving London Irish. (Getty)

Australia prop Sekope Kepu will bring his vast experience to London Irish as they return to the Gallagher Premiership next season, the club has announced.

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The 33-year-old Wallabies front rower, who has 103 senior caps and 69 starts for his country, has more than 130 Super Rugby appearances under his belt for the New South Wales Waratahs and has also played in France with Bordeaux.

Kepu said: “I’m excited at the opportunity to join London Irish as they return back to the Premiership next season. I was very impressed by the facilities at Hazelwood and the new stadium taking shape in west London, so as a player, it is an exciting time to be joining the club.”

Irish have moved to strengthen their resources after winning promotion from the Greene King IPA Chmpionship this season.

Director of rugby Declan Kidney said: “We look forward to welcoming Sekope Kepu to London Irish in the New Year after he fulfils his ARU commitments.

“He will bring valuable experience to our front-row and having proved himself at the highest level, we are excited to have him join us here at Hazelwood.”

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SC 2 hours ago
New All Blacks locks squeezing captain Barrett out of contention

As a former lock, it’s frustrating that most media and supporters do not know that there is a significant difference in the roles and duties (even body types) of a 4 power tight lock and 5 aerial loose lock.


The 4 lock is an enforcer who is very physical and carries hard in tight, a very effective nasty ruck cleaner, a very powerful scrummager behind the tighthead, and hard hitting defender. Often the are the second lineout option at the back. This is the spot Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu, Isaiah Walker- Leawere play. Big tough hard men. Think Bakkies Botha and Brodie Retallick.


The 5 lock is almost always taller and leaner as their primary responsibility is winning the ball in the air on lineouts and restarts. Height is essential. They clean a ton of rucks and make a lot of tackles but their carries tend to be out wider in space and which requires more athleticism than tight lock. This is where Holland, Va’ai, and Darry play. Think Victor Matfield and Sam Whitelock.


My point is Holland is way too lean in his body shape at this point, and too inexperienced, and not quite enough mongrel to play 4. Give him time to physically mature and harden up. He is playing great at 5 and Va’ai looks very good at 6.


And if Hamish believes that Tuipulotu has suddenly become a better tight lock at test level over Barrett based on two performances vs France B god bless him but I’ll base my decision over their career test form, which Barrett has clearly been superior. I do like Tuipulotu as a bench lock playing the last 20-25 minutes for Barrett with a 6-2 bench.

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