A great rugby story from New Zealand.
Ross Filipo throught his Super Rugby career was over.
The former All Blacks lock played his final game for Waikato Chiefs last season and waved goodbye to the club, and fans, after the final game.
He continued to play club rugby, ITM Cup, with Wellington and had dipped his toes into the world of punditry by working as a sideline commentator for Sky Sport.
The 36-year-old was just beginning to get used to life away from the big top when Chiefs boss Dave Rennie came calling.
Chiefs have been ravaged with injuries to their forwards this season with the second row, including the likes of Brodie Retallick, hit hardest.
Rennie had drafted loose forwards Liam Messam and Liam Squires into the second row but found their presence was missed at the breakdown. He called up Filipo, who has four Test caps with New Zealand, and asked if he could provide injury cover. Filipo jumped at the chance and has signed a four-week deal.
Last night, Filipo started in the Chiefs’ Super Rugby encounter with the Bulls. The night started badly for the Kiwis as they fell behind, 15-3.
They hit back with tries from Messam and Bryce Heem, to go in level at the break, before putting the hammer down. Filipo and the Chiefs finished 34-20 winners. They travel to Dunedin last week to take on the Highlanders.
Filipo is expected to start again. Quite the renaissance.
Leinster have already convinced another Kiwi, Isa Nacewa, to come out of retirement next season. Wonder if they could try Brian O’Driscoll for one more ‘one more year’.
