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Ross Filipo ex All Black lock and Waikato Rugby head coach

About Ross Filipo

Filipo first played provincial rugby for Marlborough in 2001. He then played for Wellingon B in 2002, and made his debut for Wellington in 2003. Although he had played for the Hurricanes development squad in 2003, he was not selected for the Hurricanes in 2004 and instead was drafted into the Crusaders for the 2004 Super 12. He has since stayed with the Crusaders for the Super 12 and Super 14 whilst playing for Wellington in the Air New Zealand Cup (formerly the National Provincial Championship).

Filipo played for the New Zealand Maori in 2005 when they defeated the British and Irish Lions for the first time – he cites this as a career highlight. After the 2007 Super 14 season where Filipo scored six tries he was selected for the Junior All Blacks. After injuries to All Black locks Ali Williams and Keith Robinson, Filipo was called into the All Blacks squad.

Filipo was also selected for the All Blacks end of season Grand Slam tour at the end of 2008; he played against Scotland and Munster during this tour. He was also one of the regular guests on the Rugby Roundtable, which is a rugby union podcast based out of New Zealand.

In April 2009 it was announced that Filipo would be signing for Bayonne in the French Top 14 competition; he left for Bayonne at the conclusion of the 2009 Super 14 season.

On 11 April 2011 it was announced that Filipo would be signing for Wasps in the English Aviva Premiership.

Filipo currently resides and plays for Hawkes Bay.

Statistics

  • Born: 14 April 1979

Playing Career

2001: Marlborough
2003-08: Wellington
2004-09: Crusaders
2005-08: Maori
2007: Junior All Blacks
2007-08: New Zealand
2009-11: Bayonne
2011-12: Wasps RFC
2012-14: Wellington
2013-15: Chiefs
2015-16: Racing 92
2016-: Hawkes Bay

Ross Filipo's courses