Welcome to the first of our updates on which ex OBU people are making the headlines overseas. This ranges from the briefest of mentions to full profiles.
This is tested so that there are no paywalls or dud links, at least at the time of publication.
The intention is to do this weekly for your reading pleasure if it’s wanted. Jump onto Facebook and tell us what you think.
Better living everybody!
Tom Lawday
Tom came out on a gap year from England and played for OBU in the 2013 & 14 seasons. These articles are a little older than the rest but good to get up to speed with what’s been happening with him since OBU days.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/47659140
Jimmy Gopperth
Jimmy played for OBU until 2008 when he headed over to the UK to play for the Newcastle Falcons. During that time he played for The Hurricanes, the Blues, NZ Secondary Schools, NZ Universities, and was a World Cup Under 21 winner.
Jimmy was raised in Taranaki and came through the NPOB school.
Wasps’ Best XV for 2019/20 season – who YOU voted for
With one month to go until the Rugby World Cup are the All Blacks losing their grip?
Lima Sopoaga
Lima came to OBU in 2010 from Wellington College with a couple of his mates Titapu Pairama-Lewington and Hanipale Galo covering Jerseys 10 out to 13. He was part of the NZ team that retained the Junior world title in 2011. He played a season for Wellington before switching to Dunedin and playing for the Highlanders for several years.
Note: same article as above for Jimmy Gopperth
Wasps’ Best XV for 2019/20 season – who YOU voted for
Conrad Smith
Conrad needs no introduction does he really?
Ben Smith, Owen Franks fighting to keep All Blacks spots heading into Bledisloe rematch
International rugby players need to have a ‘genuine seat’ at top table of world game
Rugby: Sir Clive Woodward on ‘simply fantastic’ All Blacks
Former Wallaby urges Aussies to copy All Blacks with ball-playing outside centre
TJ Ioane
TJ was part of the team from 2008-2010, including when we last won the Hardham Cup. He came through Wellington College and now plays for London Irish and Samoa.
He was also in the Wellington Academy for 3 years, played for the Highlanders and Otago and was in NZ the Secondary Schools team in 2007.
London Irish star Sekope Kepu to the fore as Aussies bounce back in the RugbyChampionship
Sam Katz
Sam played for OBU in 2010 mostly in what we now call the Premier Reserves but also a handful of games for the Premiers. He is originally from England and added to the club both on and off the field.
The life of a Journeyman – a Rugby World special report
Brynn Evans
Brynn had a short stint with OBU in 2011.
Rugby: Staunch pair at heart of Havelock North Rugby Club
Young Gun: Sale Sharks lock Rouban Birch
Eric Fry
Eric played for OBU in 2012. He had the nickname ‘The Big Easy’. A good bloke to have around on or off the paddock, he made a great contribution to the club during that time.
He still plays for the USA Eagles, debuting in 2011 and going on to play in the world cup. He must have liked what he saw in 2011 to come to OBU the following year from the Las Vegas Blackjacks. He has had stints in the UK for London Scottish and Newcastle Falcons before a brief stint back in the US with the Sacramento Express. He is now playing in France for RC Vannes. It sounds like he is on course to play another world cup in a month or so.
When is England vs USA? Rugby World Cup 2019 match date, kick-off time & TV channel