Sekope Kepu to lead Moana Pasifika in the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific

Moana Pasifika have confirmed veteran Australian prop Sekope Kepu as the captain for the inaugural edition of the Super Rugby Pacific.

Kepu started his career with provincial side Counties Manukau in 2005 with his Super Rugby debut for Waratahs coming in 2008. With 141 Super Rugby appearances across two stints, the 35-year-old also had represented Bordeaux Begles and London Irish in the past.

"Here is an indescribable bond of brotherhood in this special team even though we have been together for only a short couple of months at most," he told the club's official website.

"Coming back to New Zealand I never thought I would play rugby again. God works in mysterious ways, to be here and then called into the Moana Pasifika team, it was something I didn't think twice about."

Having represented New Zealand at the junior levels, Kepu made his Test debut for Australia in November 2008 against Italy and is the most-capped Prop to ever play for the Wallabies with 110 appearances.

He also had represented Australia in the 2011, 2015 and 2019 World Cups making 17 appearances combined.

"Right from the outset, he has led by example - both in the way he trains, prepares, and in the way he contributes to the culture of our team," said Moana coach Aaron Mauger.

"In doing this, he has effectively picked himself as leader."

Moana Pasifika will kick-start their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a clash against Brumbies on 18th February.