Kepu returns to Waratahs

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...02-gpak19.html



Wallabies tight-head prop Sekope Kepu is on his way home to the NSW Waratahs after being released by French club Bordeaux-Begles despite having two years remaining on his contract.

Kepu, who won a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs in 2014, has been plying his trade in the French Top 14 but has sought a return to Australia for some time.

The Waratahs announced on Friday they had signed Kepu on a three-year deal from 2017-2019, but he will not partake in the last three home and away games of the Super Rugby season to focus on Wallabies duties.

Even if the Waratahs were to make the finals, Kepu would be ineligible because he would not have played the required four matches to qualify.

"I'm delighted that Keps is returning to Australia, and happy to welcome him back to the Waratahs," Gibson said. "He will be a great addition to the squad and will strengthen our front row options."

The 30-year-old has been hampered by a shoulder injury of late, but will come into Michael Cheika's Wallabies squad on Monday ahead of the upcoming three-Test series against England.

It is still unclear whether Kepu will be available for the first Test at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, but Cheika has given every indication he will still be in the mix for selection at tight-head.

Kepu was contracted until 2018 with the French club but has been granted a release from the final two years of his deal, citing family reasons.

"UBB is disappointed by this decision but decided to respect the player's family balance," Bordeaux-Begles said in a statement. "The two parties are separating on very good terms and UBB wish Sekope Kepu good luck for the rest of his career."

The Waratahs early season scrum woes were fixed with the addition of young gun Tom Robertson at tight-head, but Daryl Gibson is even more excited to secure Kepu's services again after his brilliant showing at last year's Rugby World Cup.

"I'm sure he would have grown from the experience in France where there is a real scrum culture," Gibson said. "It can only benefit our young props in Tom Robertson and Matt Sandell, as he helps grow and pass on his knowledge."

Cheika originally stated he was happy to leave overseas players, who had chalked up the required 60 Tests to return for the Wallabies, out of the England series to give their bodies a rest, but the inclusion of Kepu in his extended 39-man squad shows how valued he is in a forward pack ready to go toe-to-toe with England.

Born in Sydney and raised in New Zealand, Kepu, who is also a proud Randwick representative, has chalked up 96 Super Rugby caps for the Waratahs as well as 63 matches for Australia after making his international debut in 2008.