Born in Auckland to Samoan parents, Iopu-Aso had to leave his home province due to a lack of opportunities and decided to set up home in New Plymouth.
The 2012 New Zealand Sevens representative made the Taranaki Development squad in 2013 and was subsequently promoted to the ITM Cup side for 2014. He made an instant impact during a very impressive campaign for Taranaki and as a reward he was named in the Hurricanes squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Iopu-Aso, 26, has been dogged by injury in recent seasons. After moving to Taranaki from Auckland in 2014, Iopu-Aso's form saw him pick up a two-year contract with the Hurricanes.
However, he suffered numerous serious injuries, including dislocated shoulders and a broken arm, which meant he never made it on to the field for the franchise.
That left him with just his Taranaki contract, although he was involved in the New Zealand sevens squad this year.
Iopu-Aso, who will shift to Japan in July, signing a two-year contract with the Kinetsu Liners.
(August 2017)
Career
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Taranaki Openside Flanker |
2014 - 2016 |
 |
Hurricanes Openside Flanker |
2015 - 2017 |
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New Zealand 7's Openside Flanker |
2016 - 2018 |
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Kintetsu Liners Openside Flanker |
2017 - 2022 |
