Opeti Helu

Last updated
Opeti Helu
Born (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 27)
Height190 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight127 kg (280 lb; 20 st 0 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Current team Kubota Spears

Opeti Helu (born 22 July 1998) is a professional rugby player who plays as a prop. He currently plays for Kubota Spears in the Japan Rugby League One. He is renowned for his imposing physique, versatility, and scrummaging ability. He plays for Japan through qualification on residency grounds.

Contents

Professional career

Youth career

Originally of Tongan descent, Helu began his career as a schoolboy in Australia. [1] He later attended Newington College for university rugby. [2]

Kubota Spears

Helu has played with Kubota Spears since 2021. [1] He has become a frequent starter for the team. [3] He was selected in the league's team of the year for the 2023 season. [4]

On 27 April 2024, Helu headbutted another player in a match against Mie Honda Heat, leading to a yellow card issued against him. [5]

In 2025, Helu finished as the runner-up in the voting for the Rugby League One Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season. [6]

International career

Helu originally qualified for Japanese selection through his time competing in the country. [7] In October 2024, head coach Eddie Jones selected Helu. [8] [9] He made his debut for the Brave Blossoms later that year, [10] [11] [12] [13] after injuries left many concerned about his ability to play for Japan. [14] He also scored on his debut in the 69th minute. [15]

He is considered one of the country's most promising prospects.

Playing style

Helu stands at 190 cm tall and 127 kg, making him an imposing threat in tackling. [16] He is also known for his abilities in the scrum, and winning possession in the ruck, making him effective in both attack and defense. [17] He was described as Japan's strongest prop by LeadRugby. [17]

Honors

Helu was named in the Japan Rugby League One Team of the Tournament in 2023. [18]

References

  1. 1 2 Grey, AFP & Lachlan (2024-10-24). "Former Australian Schoolboys prop headlines Jones' Japan squad to face All Blacks". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  2. ↑ 一般社団法人ジャパンラグビーリーグワン. "オペティ ・ヘル（2023-24） | 【公式】ジャパンラグビー リーグワン". 【公式】NTTジャパンラグビー リーグワン (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  3. ↑ 編集ラグリパ編集部 (2025-05-23). "クボタスピアーズ船橋・東京ベイ、準決勝のメンバー発表。負傷明けオペティ・ヘル、江良颯らが復帰。 - ラグビーリパブリック" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  4. ↑ RugbyPass (2023-05-24). "Foley And Four Springboks Named In Japan League's Team Of The Year". FloRugby. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  5. ↑ 一般社団法人ジャパンラグビーリーグワン. "クボタスピアーズ船橋・東京ベイ オペティ・ヘル選手のプレーに対する追加的処分のお知らせ | 【公式】ジャパンラグビー リーグワン ニュース". 【公式】NTTジャパンラグビー リーグワン (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-07-19.
  6. ↑ NEWS, KYODO. "Rugby: Back-to-back League One champion Richie Mo'unga repeats as MVP". Kyodo News+. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  7. ↑ "「相手は世界でもトップのチーム。緊張はしているけれど…」トンガ生まれの日本代表プロップがオールブラックス戦へ決意：中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ". 中日スポーツ・東京中日スポーツ (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  8. ↑ "【ラグビー】エディーHCが代表初選出の中楠一期に期待「我々の求めているプレーができる」 - スポニチ Sponichi Annex スポーツ". スポニチ Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  9. ↑ "オペティ・ヘル「恩返ししたい気持ちが強かったから日本代表を選んだ」 | ラグビージャパン365". rugbyjapan365.jp. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  10. ↑ NEWS, KYODO. "Rugby: Japan quick off mark, but ultimately no match for All Blacks". Kyodo News+. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
  11. ↑ Wang, Irene (October 24, 2024). "Jones's Japan aim to take the game to the All Blacks". Reuters .
  12. ↑ "Japan 19-64 New Zealand: All Blacks score 10 tries in Yokohama". BBC Sport. 2024-10-26. Retrieved 2025-10-05.
  13. ↑ rugbyasia247 (2024-10-25). "Japan Brave Blossoms vs New Zealand - Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2024 Preview". RugbyAsia247. Retrieved 2025-10-05.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ↑ 編集ラグリパ編集部 (2024-10-23). "オペティ・ヘル、待望の日本代表入りで「自分の身体への理解度が高まっています」 - ラグビーリパブリック" (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  15. ↑ "All Blacks overcome Japan to win 1st northern rugby tour test 64-19". AP News. 2024-10-26. Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  16. ↑ リードラグビー編集部 (2022-05-01). "【リーグワン】ケタ違いのパワー！オペティ・ヘルは日本代表史上最強のプロップになる". リードラグビー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  17. 1 2 リードラグビー編集部 (2023-12-12). "【リーグワン】オペティ・ヘル、圧巻の突破力でトライ「3キロ減った」シェイプアップし日本代表への道切り拓く". リードラグビー (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-06-23.
  18. ↑ Wright, Jared (2023-05-22). "Japan: Four Springboks and one Wallaby named in JRLO Best XV". Planet Rugby. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
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