Rugby Update: Blow for Exiles- Mapusua leaving London Irish
London Irish made an announcement for the departure of their star Seilala Mapusua. They are dealing with a momentous blow due to this development. The motivational centre Seilala Mapusua will be leaving the club at the end of this season after a five year long career with Exiles. The 30-year-old centre will join Japanese league team Kubota Spears this summer after the end of current campaign.
He has proved himself as the most judicious international signing in the Premiership history since joining London Irish from Highlanders in 2006. The Exiles have seen him through 111 appearances and an honourable award for ‘Player of the Year’ in 2009.
Seilala Mapusua is a Samoan rugby player who plays at centre and started his rugby from his school in Otahuhu Rugby club. He has been nicknamed as Mapse by his school team mates. After completing his college in New Zealand, he returned to his home city where he played for Poneke Rugby Club. He was called by Otago Highlanders to play in Super 14, before he became a part of London Irish for Guinness Premiership in 2006.
Mapusua is very positive about his decision and a bit sad too. He is leaving the club that gave him the opportunity to play healthy games and a fruitful career. He said, “I will be sad to leave London Irish, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have made a lot of friends on and off the field.” The Samoan rugby star added, “I would particularly like to thank the coaches for the opportunities they have given me and the supporters for always being behind me and the squad. We will truly miss London Irish.”
But the story between Mapusua and Exiles doesn’t end here, as there are still a few matches left to play. Mapusua has a job to do and is determined to take London Irish to top 4 by the end of this season and end the campaign on high note.
Toby Booth, the head coach of Exiles acknowledged his efforts for the club, where he has developed himself into among the stupendous backs in European Rugby. The coach said, “He has been a tremendous, committed servant to our club, an outstanding professional and an inspiration for any player on the field. Seilala is at a stage in his career where he needs to be thinking about his next steps and the future and we completely respect that.”
The coach ended his statement on a positive note by adding to the fact, that no matter how tragic this departure maybe for the club, but it has opened doors for the new talent. It’s an opportunity for the young blood to fill in the shoes of Mapusua and stun the world yet again.
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