After Warren Gatland and Wales missed out on Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, a decision they have come to regret, another youngster could soon be committing to England.
Hooker Kepu Tuipulotu was born in Pontypool and has a sister, Sisilia, who currently plays for Wales, while his cousin, Scarlets back-rower Carwyn, featured for the Welsh U20 side in 2021.
However, after joining the London Irish academy, he chose to represent England and has starred at U18 level for the Red Rose.
He now plays for Bath after the Exiles’ demise and was named in their squad for the Premiership clash against Northampton Saints on Sunday.
Set for U20 bow in Six Nations
Tuipulotu is also set to be called up to the England U20 squad for the upcoming age-grade Six Nations competition and is already being looked at by the senior coaches.
“There are six players that have come into our academy and they are all very mature for young lads,” Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan told the Telegraph.
“What has struck me about Kepu is his willingness to work hard and also how explosive he has been; whether that is in the carry, on the poach or in defence.
“He has been really good for Bath University and has scored some fantastic tries at the back of line-outs and his decision-making in the Premiership Cup [has been impressive].
“I’ll give you an example. Against Bristol, the ball was overthrown [at a line-out]. He runs over two guys, he steps left to right, he makes an offload, he gets back up and supports.
“You’re looking for small things that set guys apart. He’s got a long way to go in his development. I think what we’ve done really well at the club is set guys up to success, which is why he’ll be going on between Francois [van Wyk] and Thomas [du Toit].”
The hooker was invited to attend a training session with England’s senior side during the Autumn Nations Series as the Red Rose look to tie down the teenager.
Eligibility concerns
There has been a doubt about his eligibility, however, with suggestions that despite going to school at the London-based Harrow, it would not count towards his residency, potentially opening the door for the Welsh Rugby Union.
World Rugby have since loosened the eligibility requirements, though, and according to journalist Charlie Morgan, he may not have to wait until his mid-20s to be available for Steve Borthwick’s team.
“Tuipulotu visit to seniors over the autumn described as a “taster”. Am told he’ll play for England U20 this Six Nations and that question of his England senior eligibility (also qualifies for Wales and Tonga) has been sorted,” Morgan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
After Borthwick courted the Cardiff-born and raised Feyi-Waboso ahead of the 2024 Six Nations, it would be another blow to Gatland and Wales.
The wing has since become a key player for the Red Rose and is in contention for a British and Irish Lions place providing he successfully recovers from a shoulder injury.
Tuipulotu is equally highly regarded and is evidently doing the right things at Bath, given his selection in their Premiership squad for the Saints clash.
According to England U20 head coach Mark Mapletoft, it marks a change from previous years with the youngsters now getting more senior game time.
“We moaned over the past couple of years that, whilst the French guys were getting blooded in the Top 14 and ProD2, a lot of our guys were not getting their chance at Premiership or Europe. Whereas now they are,” Mapletoft said.
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/england-set-to-poach-explosive-welsh-born-star-in-another-blow-to-warren-gatland-following-immanuel-feyi-waboso-blunder
