Wales’ loss is certainly England’s gain
Welsh born Bath hooker Kepu Tuipulotu(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Bath star Kepu Tuipulotu revealed why he turned down an invitation from Warren Gatland to join Wales’ Six Nations squad to pursue an international career with England.
The 20-year-old was born in Pontypool where his dad, Sione, forged a career playing for Caerphilly, Pontypool and the Dragons. Tuipulotu qualifies for England on residency after taking up a scholarship at the prestigious Harrow School in London.
He was initially a student at Caldicott Preparatory School in Buckinghamshire, resulting in the powerful forward representing England at age-grade level.
The explosive hooker is rated so highly that he was offered an opportunity to join Wales’ senior Six Nations squad in 2024 at just 18 years old.
He received a message from his dad, saying Gatland wanted to speak to him.
“I had something niche, like photography,” he told The Times.
“Thankfully the teacher showed me some grace. It was a surreal moment getting that call, but I was just coming off playing academy rugby and I hadn’t played the men’s game. I just didn’t feel it was the right opportunity for me to pursue.”
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Tuipulotu comes from a strong rugby family and is a relative of both Taulupe Faletau and the Vunipola brothers while he is a cousin of former Scarlets No 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu who is now plying his trade for Pau in the Top 14.
His sister, Sisilia, plays for Wales Women. Tuipulotu is grateful for the opportunities English rugby has given him allowing him to represent England at age-grade level as well as the A team.
“You show your patriotism to a country that wants you and that you want [to represent] as well,” he told The Times.
“You have that pull towards that nation when you’ve gone through the pathway. I have shown my allegiance and patriotism to them, because they put their effort and their time into me.
“I’m also Welsh, I was born in Wales, but I feel with everything that’s happened, you feel you belong to a nation that gives to you, and you feel you have to give back what they’ve given to you.
“The England route is where I feel most tied.”
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