Willie Ripia
Encyclopedia
Willie Ripia is a rugby union
player for the Western Force
in the Super 15 competition. He plays as a first five-eighth. He was born in Murupara
, New Zealand
. Ripia attended Rotorua Boys' High School.
Ripia started his Super 14 career at the Highlanders before moving to the Hurricanes
. He also played for Taranaki in the NPC
. Ripia has played for New Zealand
at U-19 and U-21 levels, and also for New Zealand Maori
. In August 2010 he has declared his intention to play for Australia when he qualifies on residency. He has signed a 2 year contract at the Western Force.
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
player for the Western Force
Western Force
Western Force is a rugby union team based in Perth, Western Australia playing in the international Super Rugby competition. They first competed in the 2006 season and finished with the wooden spoon in that year, however their performances greatly improved in 2007. In 2008 they finished in 8th...
in the Super 15 competition. He plays as a first five-eighth. He was born in Murupara
Murupara
Murupara is a town located in the North Island of New Zealand. The town is situated in an isolated part of the Bay of Plenty region between the Kaingaroa Forest and Te Urewera National Park, on the banks of the Rangitaiki River, 65 kilometres southeast of Rotorua, along SH38. Murupara is the...
, New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. Ripia attended Rotorua Boys' High School.
Ripia started his Super 14 career at the Highlanders before moving to the Hurricanes
Hurricanes (Super rugby franchise)
The Hurricanes are a New Zealand professional Rugby union team based in Wellington that competes in the Super Rugby competition...
. He also played for Taranaki in the NPC
Air New Zealand Cup
The ITM Cup is New Zealand's annual professional domestic Rugby union competition, taking place from late July through October . It was founded in 2006 with 14 teams, after the National Provincial Championship was split into two separate competitions. The other 12 provincial teams from the NPC...
. Ripia has played for New Zealand
All Blacks
The New Zealand men's national rugby union team, known as the All Blacks, represent New Zealand in what is regarded as its national sport....
at U-19 and U-21 levels, and also for New Zealand Maori
New Zealand Maori
New Zealand Māori can refer to:* People of Māori descent* New Zealand Māori rugby union team* New Zealand Māori rugby league team* New Zealand Māori cricket team...
. In August 2010 he has declared his intention to play for Australia when he qualifies on residency. He has signed a 2 year contract at the Western Force.