As we reported a month back, former Auckland flyer Rupeni Caucau is back in New Zealand, plying his trade with Northland in the hopes of finding the form he showed in the early days. Total Rugby caught up with him for some insight into his world.
Still regarded as one of the greats that failed to maintain his incredibly high standards, Caucau is back where it all began and looking in pretty good nick, despite being injured at the moment.
In this player profile we hear from the man himself, as well as Northland head coach Derren Witcombe, former Auckland hooker and teammate of Caucau’s when he first burst onto the scene.
While there was speculation that he might be returning to France with Lyon, who are in search of an outside back, today it was confirmed that he is unavailable so they will have to look elsewhere.
The former Agen and Toulouse winger played earlier in the ITM Cup season, scoring a couple of tries and combining well with Rene Ranger to set up a few, but unfortunately picked up an injury against North Harbour that has halted his progress somewhat.
He’s more determined than ever though, saying that he wants to be a role model for the younger players, and of course wants to put his family in the best possible position for when he retires.
“Now I have three kids. I’m working hard now before I retire, for their future. So when I finish, I have something for my kids, for my family,” he explained.
Caucau admits that age isn’t on his side so it’s a bit of a struggle at times, but he says that he wants to show everyone that he’s still got it. We can’t wait.
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