Bundee Aki’s cousin joins Graham Rowntree’s Urayasu
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Ireland star Bundee Aki’s cousin Larry Tipoa'i-Luteru has joined Graham Rowntree’s high-flying Urayasu D-Rocks.
Samoa-born Tipoa'i-Luteru, 21, has arrived from Yokohama’s Kanto Gakuin University as an early-entry player.
The powerful number eight is 6ft 3in (192cm) and weighs 18-stone-plus (119kg) which made him the tallest and heaviest member in the Kanto University League division one team’s squad.
Kanto Gakuin’s co-captain can also play in the second-row and across the back-row as well as goal-kick.
He started playing rugby at the age of four before moving to New Zealand aged 10 where he studied at De La Salle College and went on to play for the u14 Auckland team.
A highly-skilled, well-rounded and intelligent footballer, Tipoa'i-Luteru, who already speaks Japanese fluently, helped his university earn promotion to division one in 2023 and is aiming to represent the Brave Blossoms.
The hard-working youngster, who is eligible to represent Samoa, New Zealand and Japan, appeared today before surprise package Urayasu’s home game against champions Toshiba Brave Lupus in a Urayasu tracksuit and posed for pictures with fans.
Last season’s basement outfit are currently fifth after recording three wins from their opening four games.
The Chiba-based side are yet to officially announce their new acquisition who will join the likes of in-form Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi and Springboks star Jasper Wiese as well as dual-code stalwart and Tonga international Israel Folau.
Tipoa'i-Luteru told RugbyJP in November: “The only reason why I played was as a way to get out of poverty, I guess.
“Back in the islands, you know, you don't have much there. Rugby is basically the sport for us islanders.”
The League One newcomer models himself on Japan legend and Toshiba captain Michael Leitch.
“Leitch is a player I admire. His record, what he does on the field, what he did for Japan as well. I feel like it's very inspirational what he did for the country and I also feel like I want to follow that same path.”
Urayasu travel to Kieran Crowley's winless Honda Heat next Saturday in round six.
