Welsh cousins Carwyn and Kepu Tuipulotu, both hailing from Wales, are gearing up to face each other in their first professional rugby match on Friday night. Carwyn is set to start at No.8 for French team Pau in the European Challenge Cup Round of 16 clash against Bath, while Kepu will be on the bench as the replacement hooker for the Gallagher Premiership side. The cousins come from a renowned rugby family, with famous relatives including Taulupe Faletau and England stars Billy and Mako Vunipola. Carwyn’s father, Kati, is a former Tongan international player, while Kepu’s father, Sione, has played for the Dragons, and his sister, Sisilia, is a prominent player for Wales Women.
Despite their family ties, the cousins are expected to leave everything on the field, with Carwyn revealing that Kepu has promised to “try to steamroll” him during the match. 23-year-old Carwyn recently made the move to France after his time with the Scarlets and a brief loan spell with Saracens. A strong ball-carrier, he aims to make a mark at Pau as he eyes a spot in the Welsh national team. On the other hand, 19-year-old Kepu opted to represent England, having taken a scholarship at Harrow School in London. Although he could also play for Tonga through his father, he believes the English pathway offers him the best opportunity to develop his game and reach the highest levels of the sport.
Carwyn expressed his frustration at the Scarlets due to limited playing time, making his move to France a chance to showcase his skills and potentially catch the attention of Welsh selectors. In contrast, Kepu sees England as the right environment to elevate his game and learn from experienced players, following a pathway he believes will lead to personal success. The cousins are prepared to face off against each other in what promises to be an exciting match at the Estadio du Hameau in Pau. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals to meet the victor between Montpellier and Gloucester.
The clash between the Welsh-born cousins has generated significant interest, with rugby fans eager to witness the showdown between two talented players with contrasting international aspirations. As the Tuipulotu cousins prepare to compete on opposite sides of the field, the match serves as a testament to their shared passion for rugby and their individual journeys in pursuit of sporting excellence. With their family heritage and competitive spirit driving them, Carwyn and Kepu are poised to deliver a compelling performance that showcases their skills and determination on the rugby field.