Moana Pasifika inaugural captain and 110-test Australian international Sekope Kepu will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
The 38-year-old is closing the chapter on a brilliant 19-year career. Kepu made his Super Rugby and Wallabies debut in 2008, winning a title with the Waratahs in 2014 and playing in three Rugby World Cups.
The Sydney-born director appeared in 141 games for the Waratahs from 2008-2019 and had spells with Bordeaux in France and London Irish. He returned to New Zealand where he spent the last three seasons with Moana Pacifica.
“In the last two weeks I realized that this is the right time. Everyone who retires says you know when it’s time. All I dreamed of was playing rugby professionally and I was very blessed to do so. Although I will miss him, I look forward to being there for my children,” said Kepu.
“My wife (Anna) and my children (Faith-Rose, Israel, Isaiah and Steven-Judah) have had to sacrifice a lot for me to be able to play for this long. I am forever grateful for their love and support over the years. I was very lucky that my kids were able to watch dad play. Now it’s time for dad to be their taxi driver to their weekend sporting events.”
“I just want to thank the fans because without them we don’t have a game. My parents too, the old man came to my training and matches every weekend and that planted the seed.”
Kepu’s rugby journey began at Tamaki Rugby Club in Glen Innes, Auckland.
“I used to walk in my slazenger boots from home to training on the trail. Picking feijoas and other fruits from neighboring houses on the way to training. Getting there early and just messing around with your teammates, doing a bit of eel-ing with plastic bags in the creeks,” Kepu said.
“Then having a big game at the end of practice was a lot of fun as a kid.”
Kepu is passionate about coaching and says it is something he would like to explore next, giving back to the game that has given him so much over the years.
“I will miss the camaraderie and brotherhood. I’m going to work with 40 of your best mates.’
“I’m going to miss the travel, the nerves and the excitement of the bus ride to the stadium and seeing the fans out there.”
Kepu added: “I am focused on finishing the 2024 season strong with Moana Pasifika.”
Moana Pasifika CEO Pelenato Sakalia said: “Moana Pasifika was blessed to have Sekope as our inaugural Captain in 2022. The video of the moment Sekope was announced as Captain will be long remembered as it captured the raw feeling and how special it was for everything.”
“His extensive experience and leadership meant we had a captain during the coronavirus-affected season who was able to lead the team and look after the boys in these difficult times.”
“Sekope set high standards and would not accept anything less than what was required for the team to perform.”
His longevity in the game ensured that the wealth of knowledge he had accumulated would benefit Moana Pacifica in our inaugural year as Captain.”
“His presence in our environment was inspiring and lifted everyone to greater levels,” Sakalia said.
“Moana Pacifica will forever be grateful for what Sekope brought to this movement. His deeds on the field are well documented, but what he has done off the field for us over the past three years will leave a lasting legacy.”
“On behalf of Moana Pasifika we wish Sekope and his much loved family all the best for the future.”
Kepu will run out at home for the last time this Saturday 25 May when Moana Pasifika take on the Waratahs at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.