Sene Naoupu

{{Infobox rugby biography

| name = Sene Naoupu

| image =

| birth_name = Sene Fanene

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|2|2|df=yes}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/sene-naoupu|title=Sene Naoupu|publisher=www.ultimaterugby.com|accessdate=21 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}

| birth_place = Dunedin, New Zealand{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/life/72159970/the-lives-and-times-of-players-in-exile|title=The lives and times of players in exile|publisher=www.stuff.co.nz|accessdate=21 February 2018|date=26 September 2015}}

| height = 5 ft 6 in

| weight = 71kg

| school =

| university = University of Otago

| spouse = George Naoupu (2009-2022) separated

| relatives = Julianna Naoupu (sister-in-law)

| ru_position = Centre/Fly-half

| youthclubs1 = North Otago

| youthclubs2 = Hawke's Bay

| years1 = 2008–2009

| years2 = 2011–2016

| years3 = 2016–2017

| years4 = 2016–2017

| years5 = 2017–

| clubs1 = Whitestone 45ers

| clubs2 = Galwegians

| clubs3 = Aylesford Bulls Ladies

| clubs4 = Harlequins Ladies

| clubs5 = Old Belvedere

| apps1 =

| points1 =

| clubs6 = Otago Spirit

| clubs7 = Connacht

| years8 = 2017–

| clubs8 = Leinster

| repyears1 = 2015–

| repteam1 = {{nwrut|Ireland}}

| repcaps1 = 40

| repsevensyears1 = 2015–

| repsevensteam1 = {{nwrut7|Ireland}}

|}}

Sene Naoupu (née: Fanene) is an Ireland women's rugby union international. Naoupu was a member of the Ireland team that won the 2015 Women's Six Nations Championship. She also represented Ireland at the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup. She is also an Ireland women's rugby sevens international. Naoupu is a Samoan New Zealander who originally emigrated to Ireland in 2009 with her former husband, George Naoupu, the former Highlanders, Harlequins and Connacht rugby union player. Naoupu is also a lifestyle coach and fitness trainer and operates her own business, Senshaper. In 2016, Naoupu was listed by The Irish Times as one of the thirty most influential women in Ireland.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzedge.com/news/rugbys-sene-naoupu-makes-irish-times-top-30-list/|title=Rugby's Sene Naoupu Makes Irish Times Top 30 List|publisher=www.nzedge.com|accessdate=19 November 2017|date=4 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/30-irish-women-you-need-to-know-1.2986897|title=30 Irish women you need to know|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=4 March 2017}}

Early life

Naoupu was born into a Samoan New Zealander family and raised in Oamaru by her single mother, Toeafiafi Taiti. She started playing sport from a very young age in her back yard with her brother and cousins. By the age of five or six, she was playing cricket, softball and touch rugby.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/ireland-star-naoupu-always-looking-to-give-more-on-second-coming-35348423.html|title=Ireland star Naoupu always looking to give more on second coming|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=15 February 2018|date=7 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/sene-naoupu-getting-over-gainline-on-and-off-the-pitch-1.2592518|title=Sene Naoupu getting over gainline on and off the pitch|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=14 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-everything-clicking-now-naoupu|title=Rugby: Everything clicking now for Naoupu|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=18 June 2015}}

Playing career

=Early years=

Naoupu started playing women's rugby union at 13 and in her youth played for North Otago and Hawke's Bay.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/sene-naoupu|title=Sene Naoupu|publisher=www.ultimaterugby.com|accessdate=21 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/ireland-star-naoupu-always-looking-to-give-more-on-second-coming-35348423.html|title=Ireland star Naoupu always looking to give more on second coming|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=15 February 2018|date=7 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/anorexia-nervosa-being-so-sick-gave-me-a-different-emotional-muscle-31132422.html|title=Anorexia Nervosa: 'Being so sick gave me a different emotional muscle'|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=14 April 2015}} She attended the University of Otago on a basketball scholarship before switching sports and concentrating on rugby union.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/sene-naoupu-getting-over-gainline-on-and-off-the-pitch-1.2592518|title=Sene Naoupu getting over gainline on and off the pitch|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=14 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-inspirational-sisters-shake-illness-make-otago-squad|title=Rugby: Inspirational sisters shake off illness to make Otago squad|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=14 June 2008}} In September 2003 she was included in a New Zealand women's national rugby union team training squad along with Farah Palmer and Anna Richards.{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=3525308|title=40 chase places in Black Ferns|publisher=www.nzherald.co.nz|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=24 September 2003}} She attended further trials for the Black Ferns but failed to make the team. After developing an eating disorder and depression, she took a break from playing rugby union. She was also diagnosed with anorexia by her university doctor.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/sene-naoupu-getting-over-gainline-on-and-off-the-pitch-1.2592518|title=Sene Naoupu getting over gainline on and off the pitch|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=14 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-everything-clicking-now-naoupu|title=Rugby: Everything clicking now for Naoupu|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=18 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/ireland-star-naoupu-always-looking-to-give-more-on-second-coming-35348423.html|title=Ireland star Naoupu always looking to give more on second coming|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=15 February 2018|date=7 January 2017}} In 2008 she made a comeback, playing club rugby union with Whitestone 45ers.{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-inspirational-sisters-shake-illness-make-otago-squad|title=Rugby: Inspirational sisters shake off illness to make Otago squad|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=14 June 2008}}

=Clubs=

In 2008, while working as a co-host on a sports radio show in Auckland, Sene met George Naoupu, who at the time was playing for the Highlanders. In 2011 they were married in Christchurch. Her subsequent playing career has mirrored that of her husband's. Sene and George Naoupu first moved to Ireland in 2009 when the latter began playing for Connacht. They then spent a year in Japan where George played for the Kobelco Steelers and Sene coached rugby union to children. In 2011 they returned to Ireland when George rejoined Connacht. Sene subsequently played for Galwegians where her coaches included George. In 2016 when George joined Harlequins, Sene played for Aylesford Bulls Ladies and then Harlequins Ladies.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/sene-naoupu-getting-over-gainline-on-and-off-the-pitch-1.2592518|title=Sene Naoupu getting over gainline on and off the pitch|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=14 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/ireland-star-naoupu-always-looking-to-give-more-on-second-coming-35348423.html|title=Ireland star Naoupu always looking to give more on second coming|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=15 February 2018|date=7 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/health-features/waking-hours-with-sene-naoupu-lifestyle-coach-and-fitness-trainer-30804435.html|title=Waking hours with Sene Naoupu, lifestyle coach and fitness trainer|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=15 December 2014}} In July 2017 George retired as a professional rugby union player and took up a player/coaching role with Wicklow.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/george-naopu-3524656-Aug2017/|title=Former Connacht star leaves Harlequins to become player coach of Wicklow RFC|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=1 August 2017}} At the same time, Sene began playing for Old Belvedere.{{cite web|url=https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/preview-2017-womens-interprovincial-series/|title=Preview: 2017 Women's Interprovincial Series|publisher=www.leinsterrugby.ie|accessdate=13 February 2018|date=29 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/leinster-womens-squad-2017-interprovincial-series/|title=Leinster Women's Squad Named For 2017 Interprovincial Series|publisher=www.leinsterrugby.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=22 November 2017}}

=Provincial level=

In New Zealand when she was at the University of Otago, Naoupu played for Otago Spirit in the Women's Provincial Championship. Her sister, Sini Fanene, also played for Otago Spirit.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/sene-naoupu|title=Sene Naoupu|publisher=www.ultimaterugby.com|accessdate=21 February 2018|date=30 March 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-everything-clicking-now-naoupu|title=Rugby: Everything clicking now for Naoupu|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=18 June 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-inspirational-sisters-shake-illness-make-otago-squad|title=Rugby: Inspirational sisters shake off illness to make Otago squad|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=14 June 2008}} In Ireland, Naoupu has represented both Connacht and Leinster in the IRFU Women's Interprovincial Series.{{cite web|url=https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/leinster-womens-squad-2017-interprovincial-series/|title=Leinster Women's Squad Named For 2017 Interprovincial Series|publisher=www.leinsterrugby.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=22 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1508236/|title=Leinster v Connacht - Women's Interprovincial Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=29 August 2015}} She made her debut for Leinster on 3 December 2017 against Ulster.{{cite web|url=https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/preview-2017-womens-interprovincial-series/|title=Preview: 2017 Women's Interprovincial Series|publisher=www.leinsterrugby.ie|accessdate=13 February 2018|date=29 November 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/womens-interprovincial-championship-3754835-Dec2017/|title=Tears of joy as Munster regain Interpro title after scoring difference is required to pip Leinster|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=13 February 2018|date=16 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1712026/|title=Ulster v Leinster - Women's Interprovincial Rugby Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=3 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1712058/|title=Leinster v Connacht - Women's Interprovincial Series Photos|publisher=www.sportsfile.com|accessdate=13 February 2018|date=9 December 2017}}

=Ireland international=

Having lived in Ireland since 2009, Naoupu became eligible to represent the Ireland women's national rugby union team.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/irish-women-rugby-six-nations-16419|title=Irish rugby has another not-so-secret Kiwi weapon plotting Six Nations glory|publisher=www.sportsjoe.ie|accessdate=19 November 2017|date=7 March 2015}} On 6 February 2015 she made her debut for Ireland in the 2015 Women's Six Nations Championship against Italy.{{cite news|url=https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-everything-clicking-now-naoupu|title=Rugby: Everything clicking now for Naoupu|newspaper=Otago Daily Times|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=18 June 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/fixturesandresults/33737.php|title=Winning Start For Ireland Women In Florence|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=24 February 2018|date=6 February 2015}} On 27 November 2016 when she made her 14th appearance for Ireland against New Zealand, Naoupu was asked by head coach, Tom Tierney, to present the Ireland jerseys to her teammates.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/other-rugby/ireland-star-naoupu-always-looking-to-give-more-on-second-coming-35348423.html|title=Ireland star Naoupu always looking to give more on second coming|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=15 February 2018|date=7 January 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/ireland-new-zealand-match-report-women-3105152-Nov2016/|title=Schmidt watches on as clinical Black Ferns have too much class for Ireland|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=27 November 2016}} She also represented Ireland at the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/wales-put-ireland-out-of-their-world-cup-misery-1.3199571|title=Wales put Ireland out of their World Cup misery|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=26 August 2017}}

Naoupu has also played for the Ireland women's national rugby sevens team in the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/39801.php#.WoigpKhl_IU|title=Ireland Women's Sevens Squad Confirmed For Langford|publisher=www.irishrugby.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=22 May 2017}} In February 2017 Naoupu, together with Alison Miller and Hannah Tyrrell, was controversially withdrawn from Ireland's 2017 Women's Six Nations Championship squad in order to represent the Ireland Sevens in the 2017 USA Women's Sevens. This was because Ireland's Sevens were chasing a top eight finish in the 2016–17 World Rugby Women's Sevens Series in order to qualify for the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.{{cite web|url=http://www.the42.ie/ireland-six-nations-pulled-sevens-duty-3251408-Feb2017/|title=IRFU to pull three key Ireland players from Six Nations to go on 7s duty|publisher=www.the42.ie|accessdate=26 March 2018|date=21 February 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/irfu-defend-decision-to-pull-key-women-s-players-from-six-nations-clash-1.2987093|title=IRFU defend decision to pull key women's players from Six Nations clash|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=23 February 2017}} In April 2017 Naoupu scored three tries as she helped Ireland win the Challenge Trophy at the 2017 Japan Women's Sevens.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/naoupu-stars-as-ireland-women-claim-sevens-trophy-35647236.html|title=Naoupu stars as Ireland Women claim Sevens Trophy|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=24 April 2017}}

Naoupu has lined out for Ireland in the 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Women's Six Nations and has scored 30 points.

She had a serious health scare in early 2020. A routine scan on a neck injury she got in the Six Nations game against England found a tumour. She had surgery to remove it and had to work with a speech therapist to recover her vocal strength.[https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/sene-naoupu-turning-mind-back-to-rugby-after-health-scare-1.4324587]

But the Covid-enforced rescheduling of the second half of the 2020 Women's Six Nations meant she was back in time to start in Ireland's defeat of Italy in October.{{Cite news|title=Determined Ireland beat Italy in Dublin|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54677410|access-date=2021-04-22}}

In October 2020 Naoupu became a member of World Rugby's Women’s Advisory Council.

Businesswoman

Naoupu is a lifestyle coach and fitness trainer. She has a company which partners with national governing bodies to facilitate player pathways and is an outspoken supporter of girls and women in sport. She is a board director for the national charity BodyWhys for those with eating disorders, something she suffered from herself in her '20s.

In 2017 the Irish Times named her among Irelands' 30 Most Influential Women' and, in 2020, the Irish Examiner named her the 10th Most Influential Women in Irish Sport.[https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/othersport/arid-40060886.html]

Honours

;Aylesford Bulls

Women's Premiership
Winners: 2016-17

;Ireland

Women's Six Nations Championship
Winners: 2015
Triple Crown
Winners: 2015

;Ireland Sevens

Japan Women's Sevens Challenge Trophy
Winners: 2017

;Individual

Rugby Writers of Ireland Women's Player of the Year
Winners: 2016

{{small|Source:{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/people/30-irish-women-you-need-to-know-1.2986897|title=30 Irish women you need to know|publisher=www.irishtimes.com|accessdate=22 February 2018|date=4 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/international-rugby/naoupu-stars-as-ireland-women-claim-sevens-trophy-35647236.html|title=Naoupu stars as Ireland Women claim Sevens Trophy|publisher=www.independent.ie|accessdate=17 February 2018|date=24 April 2017}} }}