Kepu props on with Waratahs

The Waratahs have bolstered their already impressive front-row stocks for next season with promising loosehead prop Sekope Kepu committing to a new one-year deal.

The Waratahs have bolstered their already impressive front-row stocks for next season with promising loosehead prop Sekope Kepu committing to a new one-year deal.

Kepu, a former New Zealand representative at U17, U19 and U21 level, made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs against the Highlanders in Round Three.

The well-credentialed 22-year-old said the chance to continue to learn from established Wallaby front-rowers was too good to pass up.

“I'm really happy here in Sydney and after we went so close in 2008 it's great to know I'm going to be here again next season,” Kepu said.

“With Benn (Robinson), Matt (Dunning) and Al (Baxter) there's a lot of experience in the front row, there's a lot of things I can learn from them and it's a great team to be a part of.”

A calf injury suffered in Randwick's win over Sydney University on Saturday ruled the 125kg man-mountain out of contention for Wallaby or Australia A selection.

But the softly-spoken giant appears destined for higher honours in the future.

“It would be amazing to represent the Wallabies if I ever got that chance,” Kepu said.

“At the moment I need to keep developing my game with Randwick, have a really good off-season with the Waratahs and hopefully earn some more game time in the Super 14 next year.”

New South Wales Rugby Union CEO Jim L'Estrange said of Kepu's decision to re-sign: “He's an extremely talented prop forward in a technical sense, but his mobility in general play is a bit like having an extra back-rower on the field.”

“It's important to have depth in all positions and re-signing Sekope means the Waratahs front row stocks remain the best in Australia.”