Irie Papuni

{{Infobox rugby biography

| name = Irie Papuni

| image =

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| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2001|1|29|df=y}}

| birth_place = Australia

| height = {{convert|190|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|110|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}

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| position = Lock, Flanker

| currentclub = {{Rut|Moana Pasifika}}

| youthyears1 =

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| years1 = 2024–

| clubs1 = {{Rut|Moana Pasifika}}

| apps1 = 1

| points1 = 0

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| clubupdate = 3 March 2024

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}}

Irie Papuni (born 29 January 2001) is an Australian rugby union player, of Tongan heritage, who plays for {{Rut|Moana Pasifika}}. His preferred position is lock or flanker.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/irie-papuni|title=Irie Papuni|work=Ultimate Rugby|access-date=3 March 2024}}

Early career

Papuni is of Tongan heritage, but grew up in Australia. He played his club rugby for Eastern Suburbs before joining Western Sydney Two Blues.{{cite news|url=https://rugbynews.net.au/2022-shute-shield-season-preview-eastern-suburbs/|title=2022 Shute Shield Season Preview: Eastern Suburbs|work=Rugby News|date=28 March 2022|access-date=3 March 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://rugbynews.net.au/the-sky-is-the-limit-for-two-blues-side-still-on-the-rise-according-to-coach/|title=The sky is the limit for Two Blues side still on the rise according to coach|work=Rugby News|date=16 January 2024|access-date=3 March 2024}} He had previously been a member of the Waratahs academy, and represented the Junior Wallabies.{{cite news|url=https://nsw.rugby/news/2021/05/05/Waratahs-Academy-features-strongly-in-Junior-Wallabies-Squad|title=Waratahs Academy features strongly in Junior Wallabies Squad|work=NSW Rugby|date=6 May 2021|access-date=3 March 2024}}

Professional career

Papuni joined the {{Rut|Moana Pasifika}} for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.{{cite press release | url=https://moanapasifika.co.nz/moana-pasifika-squad-announcement-2024/ | title=Moana Pasifika Squad Announcement 2024 | work=Moana Pasifika | date=9 November 2023 | access-date=9 November 2023}} He made his debut in Round 2 of the season against the {{Rut|Drua}}.{{cite news|url=https://rugby365.com/tournaments/super-rugby/moana-record-first-ever-win-over-drua-in-thriller/|title=Moana records first ever win, second loss for 'Saders|work=Rugby365|date=2 March 2024|access-date=3 March 2024}}

References

External links

[https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/irie-papuni-49097.html itsrugby.co.uk Profile]

Category:2001 births

Category:Living people

Category:Australian rugby union players

Category:Rugby union locks

Category:Rugby union flankers

Category:Moana Pasifika players

Category:Eastern Suburbs RUFC players

Category:Parramatta Two Blues players

Category:21st-century Australian sportsmen