Kepu Tuipulotu found it hard to turn his back on Wales but feels playing for England will develop his game.
The 19-year-old hooker has been the subject of much controversy of late for his decision to represent England over Wales. Kepu Tuipulotu was born in Wales but took up a scholarship at the prestigious Harrow School in London, resulting in the powerful forward representing England at age-grade level.
Tuipulotu is allowed to represent England following the World Rugby Council’s back in 2023 to amend the eligibility criteria, at senior level. Prior to last August, time spent in school or higher education did not count towards residency because the 60 months required to qualify to represent another nation needed to be unbroken.
The recent law amendment means the 60-month qualification period does not need to be unbroken, which is a big problem for the Welsh Rugby Union given the huge volume of talented Welsh players who have taken up scholarships in English schools. But Kepu Tuipulotu is adamant he has made the correct call after taking advice from his father, Sione, who played for the Dragons.
“I leaned on my dad,” he told RugbyPass. “He is quite level-headed in terms of everything that he says.
“He also wants the best for me, and I was making my decision based upon him and what his thoughts were. He had the same view as me in terms of whatever jersey I wear, he wants me to be the best I can be as a rugby player and I can give my all to that jersey.
“It was quite difficult. My sister is playing for Wales and I’m here representing England age-grade. That was a key factor in why it was so difficult.
“Also, my family live in Wales. But with my schooling in England and anything I have done in age-grade rugby, it eased making a decision a little bit.
“I just want to be the best I can at the highest level and I just thought England was the right pathway. Going through the England pathway, I can develop my game to a whole other level and can also gain experiences from the older lads that I wouldn’t necessarily get in other places.
“My decision to play for England is based on how can I become the best I can in an environment that is world-class and also pushing for my success, so I thought England was the correct pathway for me.”
Despite opting to represent England Kepu Tuipulotu insists he has fond memories of growing up in Wales.
“I only started playing rugby when I moved back to Wales around the age of nine or 10,” he continued. “We were living in Worcester, I started playing football.
“Then I came back to Wales and my uncle took me down to rugby training with my cousin and that was my first memory of giving rugby a proper go. One of the coaches asked, ‘What position do you want to play in?’ I said I’d be the centre like my dad.
“I spent two years playing rugby in Wales growing up and then got a scholarship to go to Caldicott for two years until I went to Harrow from year nine to year 13. At a young age, it was more about yourself and I wanted to score goals.
“Coming over to Wales and playing rugby, you don’t really care who scored as long as your team did. It was more about team success rather than individual success and that rugby aspect in the team environment, how it brings people together, is why I chose to stick with rugby.”
