Confirmed: Weepu to London Welsh

[nickdnz]

London (AFP) - All Blacks' World Cup winning scrum half Piri Weepu on Friday signed for English Premiership side London Welsh in a move destined to end his international career.

Capped 71 times by New Zealand in an international career spanning 2004-2013, the 30-year-old is moving to England from Super 15 side the Auckland Blues.
Weepu scored 103 points in his All Blacks career and played a leading role in New Zealand's 2011 World Cup success, particularly in their knockout victories over Australia and Argentina, when he was man of the match.
However, his decision to sign for the Oxford-based club will signal an end to his international career as the All Blacks have a policy of not selecting players based outside New Zealand.
"I'm hugely excited by the opportunity of joining London Welsh and at the challenge of playing in the Premiership -? consistently one of the best leagues in world rugby," said Weepu.
"London Welsh is an iconic and globally recognised brand in the rugby world and I'm looking forward to linking up with head coach Justin Burnell and my new London Welsh teammates, and helping the club re-establish itself in the top flight and in Oxford.?
Weepu joined the Blues for the 2012 Super 15 campaign, after eight seasons with the Hurricanes while, at provincial level, he played for Auckland and Wellington.
He made his senior New Zealand debut in 2004 against Wales at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, with cap number 71 coming against France in June, 2013.
Weepu will join up with promoted London Welsh at the end of the current Super 15 campaign and could form a half-back partnership with England fly-half Olly Barkley.
London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell said: "It doesn't get much better than being a World Cup winner with 71 caps for the All Blacks -- it's a signing that speaks for itself.
"It's massive statement of intent from the Club in regard to its drive to be able to compete in the Premiership next season, and not just survive.
"It's also going to be a fantastic opportunity for the younger players within our squad to mix and learn from a player of Piri's experience and ability. As a player, his skill set is unbelievable; his kicking game and tactical appreciation are tremendous.
"After meeting with him in Singapore at the Club 10s, his personality and aura is such that it will be second nature for him to fit in to the environment we've created at London Welsh."
Weepu has fallen down the All Blacks' pecking order to rivals such as Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, and has little hope of playing in next year's World Cup.

https://nz.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/n...5672824-b74bc00e-b2bf-4f07-9f19-080ed0704554/

What-the-hell. Surely Weepu could sign for a top paying Top 14 club...

"London Welsh is an iconic and globally recognised brand in the rugby world"...that's a bit of a stretch..

 

[Sam Owen]

Never heard of London Welsh but very surprised to hear Piris leaving. Then again when I think about his last few seasons, he hasnt managed to show his strength and his smarts that saw him ahead of all the other halfbacks in NZ. Last good game I thought Piri had was the RWC final so he has faded a bit but hes still young so he could return to his old strong, smart and skillful self.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

I think because of the size of the club weepu is going to be a mega star there. If he signed for a top 14 club he'd just be another all black (if that makes sense).

If he wants to be centre of attention he has made the right move! If not then well he should have gone else where

 

[Darwin]

While I'm not surprised Weepu is leaving I'm somewhat surprised he is going to a rather obscure club (no offense to London Welsh...). I would have thought France would have been ideal for him - they seem to love playmaking (and goal-kicking) 9's. He is still serviceable at Super Rugby level but is no longer on the AB's selectors radar (well he certainly shouldn't be!), but he is clearly the 2nd choice at the Blues.

Never heard of London Welsh but very surprised to hear Piris leaving. Then again when I think about his last few seasons, he hasnt managed to show his strength and his smarts that saw him ahead of all the other halfbacks in NZ. Last good game I thought Piri had was the RWC final so he has faded a bit but hes still young so he could return to his old strong, smart and skillful self.

I do agree with your general sentiment (that Weepu hasn't been good for a number of seasons) but I actually thought Weepu was very poor during the RWC final. He missed all three of his (relatively straight forward) shots at goal, his delivery from the base was very slow, and his hack at the ball directly lead to the French try. I was incredibly relieved when he was subbed off for Andy Ellis (who I really didn't rate at the time). Apart from kicking all those goals versus Argentina I thought Weepu had a rather average World Cup (despite the cult status that was bestowed upon him).

 

[Jaguares]

For me, Weepu is a former player. At least he will get to know another country, another culture.

I do agree with your general sentiment (that Weepu hasn't been good for a number of seasons) but I actually thought Weepu was very poor during the RWC final. He missed all three of his (relatively straight forward) shots at goal, his delivery from the base was very slow, and his hack at the ball directly lead to the French try. I was incredibly relieved when he was subbed off for Andy Ellis (who I really didn't rate at the time). Apart from kicking all those goals versus Argentina I thought Weepu had a rather average World Cup (despite the cult status that was bestowed upon him).

Yeah, I think like you. He's a very overrated player, perhaps because he has directed the haka, that made him look like a top class player. :lol: Here in Argentina he's very overrated, perhaps because his performance against the Pumas in the last WC.

 

[Sam Owen]

I do agree with your general sentiment (that Weepu hasn't been good for a number of seasons) but I actually thought Weepu was very poor during the RWC final. He missed all three of his (relatively straight forward) shots at goal, his delivery from the base was very slow, and his hack at the ball directly lead to the French try. I was incredibly relieved when he was subbed off for Andy Ellis (who I really didn't rate at the time). Apart from kicking all those goals versus Argentina I thought Weepu had a rather average World Cup (despite the cult status that was bestowed upon him).

You're memory serves you well, mine is damaged receiving too many knocks in the head. All I remember was the start of the game (2011 RWC final) where off the scrum Piri put in a nice territorial kick into the French 22, from there I just assumed he had a good game but yeah now that you mentioned I do remember him having an off night with the boot, pressure.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

You're memory serves you well, mine is damaged receiving too many knocks in the head. All I remember was the start of the game (2011 RWC final) where off the scrum Piri put in a nice territorial kick into the French 22, from there I just assumed he had a good game but yeah now that you mentioned I do remember him having an off night with the boot, pressure.

Haddnt his dad just died as well or something like that?

 

[lynam1104]

Haddnt his dad just died as well or something like that?

His grandfather died right before the QF and they didn't tell him till afterwards.

 

[Guilty]

Good luck to him. Been a great career and he deserves the big money contract.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

he deserves the big money contract.

Id be surprised if he was on more than he is currently/was at the height of his ABs career.

 

[William18]

I doubt he will be a very good signing. Weepu is the type of player who needs to be motivated to do well. I wish him luck and thank him for everything he has done for New Zealand and Wellington rugby.