Jeff Lepa

Jeff Lepa (born 10 September 1991) is a Samoan international rugby union player who currently plays as a lock or loose forward for in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup.

Early career

Born in Apia, capital city of Samoa, Lepa emigrated to New Zealand as a child. He made the Linwood College first XV at the age of 14 and later transferred to the prestigious Christchurch Boys' High School with whom he played in 2009. Upon leaving school, he joined the Waimea Old Boys' Club in the Tasman club league.

Senior career

Lepa's club form saw him first named in the Tasman Makos provincial squad in 2014, however he didn't get any game time. He debuted for the Makos the following season, making 3 substitute appearances. His first start came in 2016 and he made 2 appearances during the season as Tasman reached the Premiership final before going down to

International

Based largely on excellent club form for the Waimea Old Boys, Lepa was called up by the land of his birth, , ahead of the 2016 mid-year rugby union internationals. He debuted in the number eight jersey in Samoa's 19–19 draw with in Apia on 11 June 2016. He then featured as a lock in the other two June test matches against Pacific rivals and with his first international try coming in the victory over Tonga on 25 June.