Get to know Nepo Laulala, the New Zealand rugby player

Get to know Nepo Laulala, the New Zealand rugby player

Kevin Omuya
March 8, 2024 at 9:25 PM
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Since making his All Blacks debut in 2015, tighthead specialist Nepo Laulala has established himself as one of the world's top scrummagers. His rugby union achievements earned him a spot among the most illustrious and wealthy players from New Zealand in 2024.

Nepo Laulala's age and life facts
The famous New Zealand rugby prop, Nepo Laulala. Photo: @nlaulala03 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Table of Сontents:

Pro rugby union player Nepo Eti Laulala plays prop for one of Toulouse's top 14 clubs. He qualified to represent New Zealand on the international stage from 2015 to 2023 based on his residency, despite being born in Samoa.

Profile summary

Title

Details

Full name

Nepo Laulala

Gender

Male

Date of birth

June 11, 1991

Place of birth

Moto'otua, Samoa

Age

32 years as of 2024

Nationality

New Zealander

Ethnicity

Black

Height

1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)

Weight

133 kg (293 lbs)

Marital status

Married

Wife

Loriana Laulala

Profession

Profesional rugby player

Current team

Toulouse

Position

Prop

Social media

Instagram

Nepo Laulala's biography

Nepo is a talented rugby player who grew up in Samoa. Nepo Lualala's family hails from Upolu island and supported him in his career. His parents are Eti and Avarua Laulala, and his brothers are Casey and Luteru Laulala.

Nepo Laulala's biography
Nepo Laulala of the Blues during the Super Rugby Pacific match against Chiefs on April 01, 2023, in Hamilton, New Zealand. Photo: Michael Bradley
Source: Original

Nepo Laulala's brother, Casey, was an All-Black before retiring from international rugby in 2006. The Laulala brothers are among the 57 sets of brothers to have played for the All Blacks.

How old is Nepo Laulala?

Born on June 11, 1991, in Moto'otua, Apia, Samoa, Nepo Lualala's age is 32 as of February 2024. His zodiac sign is Gemini.

Who is Nepo Laulala's wife?

After dating for quite some time, the rugby star tied the knot with Loriana Laulala. The couple's first child was born in 2018, and the second in 2021.

Nepo Laulala's wife and kids
Nepo and his wife Loriana and kids. Photo: @nlaulala03 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

How tall is Nepo Laulala?

The New Zealand prop's listed height is 1.84 m tall (6 ft 0 in). He weighs 128 kg (282.19 lb).

Nepo Lualala's nationality

Nepo is a New Zealand national who was born in Samoa. He chose to represent the All Blacks in international competitions.

Which school did Nepo Laulala go to?

Born in Samoa, Laulala attended Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland and Wesley College afterwards. He joined Canterbury Academy in Christchurch and played for them in the 2011 ITM Cup.

Nepo Laulala's stats and career highlights

Nepo Laulala's career highlights and stats
Dallas McLeod of the Crusaders tackled Nepo Laulala of the Blues during the round four Super Rugby Pacific match against Crusaders at Eden Park on March 18, 2023. Photo: Phil Walter
Source: Getty Images

Nepo Laulala's All Rugby stats show that the talented prop has played for multiple teams. He played for the Crusaders, the Chiefs, Counties Manukau, and the Blues, then joined Toulouse. Laulala made 33 appearances in Super Rugby with the Crusaders, scoring a try and five points.

He joined the Chiefs in 2016 and debuted against the Bulls. The Chiefs extended Nepo's contract by three years in July 2017. He played 40 games for the Chiefs, scoring five points. Nepo played five games for Counties Manukau and then inked a two-year deal with the Blues in October 2020. He joined his current club, Toulouse, in July 2023.

National team

Nepo Laulala made his All Blacks debut against Samoa in 2015 and was a part of the Rugby Championship after a breakout year in Super Rugby. He missed the first half of 2016 after sustaining a knee injury in training.

Nepo played in the Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in August 2017 and the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup in 2020. He was also part of the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.

Nepo Laulala's injury

The New Zealand prop has suffered multiple injuries that have hampered his progress. He sustained a calf strain in April 2023 while playing for the Blues against the Waratahs, but his coach confirmed it was not serious. Nepo scared fans after leaving the game in the 26th minute. His teammate Stevie also got injured in the match. Speaking on the Rugby pass, his coach said,

"Both look relatively significant, Stevie felt his shoulder move a little bit … and I think he's done something to that shoulder in the past. And Neps' calf doesn't look 100% great either."
Nepo Laulala's injury training
New Zealand's prop Nepo Laulala takes part in a training session on November 10, 2017, in Suresnes, west of Paris, on the eve of a rugby union test match against France. Photo: Franck Fife
Source: Getty Images

Nepo Laulala's contract

All Blacks' Nepo Laulala signed a contract with top 14 winners Toulouse in July 2023 to keep him in the team until 2026. He joined the team to replace Charlie Faumuina, who was expected to retire.

Nepo Laulala's net worth

According to Popularbio and Abtc, the New Zealand tighthead prop has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million.

Endorsements and sponsorships

The athlete has also landed multiple endorsement and sponsorship deals because of his talent, skills, and achievements. Income from the deals has helped increase his wealth and financial position.

Nepo Laulala's awards

In 2019, he helped his country finish third in the Rugby World Cup/Webb Ellis Cup. He played in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where New Zealand finished second.

Nepo Laulala's awards
Nepo Lualala with teammates poses with awards. Photo: @nlaulala03 (modified by author)
Source: UGC

Frequently asked questions

Laulala has established himself among the best props in New Zealand. Here are more facts about the talented rugby player.

Where is Nepo Laulala from?

He was born and raised in Samoa but represents New Zealand's national rugby team because of his residency.

What position is Nepo Laulala?

The Samoa-born rugby star plays as a prop for Stade Toulousain in France.

Is Nepo Laulala on Instagram?

His Instagram is a great place to see him posting random photos of his friends, family, and himself. On Instagram, he has more than 15,000 followers.

Final word

Beyond the global arena, Laulala has made significant contributions. He has played an essential role for the Blues in Super Rugby and the Counties Manukau Steelers in the Mitre 10 Cup. He was recognized and handsomely rewarded for his unwavering commitment to his career.

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Authors
Kevin Omuya photo
Kevin Omuya
Kevin Omuya is a Content Writer with 4 years of experience who joined Sports Brief in 2022. In 2019 he held a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Digital Media from KCA University.
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