Kepu confirms homecoming with return to PIC Steelers

Counties Manukau junior and Wallabies centurion Sekope Kepu has signed with the PIC Steelers for the upcoming National Provincial Championship in a massive boost for the Union.

Kepu, who was a schoolboy stand-out at Wesley College before heading overseas, had been playing for London Irish in the United Kingdom but the onset of COVID-19 forced him back to family in New Zealand.

The 35-year-old, who has signed on for two seasons with the PIC Steelers, made his first-class debut in the famous red, white and black jersey, playing seven times for the Union in 2006-2007 before heading over the Tasman in search of Super Rugby opportunities.

He linked up with the NSW Waratahs in 2008 and was thrust straight into international football later that year with the Wallabies.

During a glittering professional career Kepu played 141 times for the Waratahs as well as 110 tests for the Wallabies before taking up a contract with London Irish after the 2019 World Cup.

He will bolster a PIC Steelers forward pack that at full strength features All Blacks Nepo Laulala, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu as well as international players like Alamanda Motuga, Viliami Taulani, Sila Puafisi, Kalolo Tuiloma and Sam Slade.