Bundee Aki’s hulking cousin, 21, aims to represent Japan

Ireland star Bundee Aki’s cousin Larry Tipoa'i-Luteru is aiming to make a name for himself in Japan and represent the Brave Blossoms as he prepares to graduate from university and turn professional in 2026. 

Samoa-born Tipoa'i-Luteru, 21, is currently in his fourth and final year at Kanto Gakuin University in Yokohama. 

The barnstorming number eight is 6ft 3in (192cm) and weighs 18-stone-plus (119kg) which makes him the tallest and heaviest member in the Kanto University League division one team’s squad. 

Kanto Gakuin’s co-captain, who can also play in the second-row and across the back-row as well as goal-kick, started playing rugby at the age of four before moving to New Zealand aged 10 where he studied at Della Serra College and went on to play for the u14 Auckland team. 

An Auckland coach opened the door for him to move to Japan at the age of 14 and his performances for Kurashiki High School put him on the radar of the Japan High School National Team who he represented in an exhibition match. 

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His then-high school coach Masaru Umemoto earmarked the youngster as a future Japan international and said that he will ‘definitely’ play Test rugby for the Brave Blossoms.

A highly-skilled, well-rounded and intelligent footballer, Tipoa'i-Luteru, who already speaks Japanese fluently, helped his university earn promotion to division one in 2023 and was an ever-present in 2024.

He’s helped himself to three tries in four appearances in the new university season which kicked off in September and told RugbyJP.com how his fascinating rugby journey started.

“The only reason why I played was as a way to get out of poverty, I guess.

“Back in the islands, you know, you don't have much there. Rugby is basically the sport for us islanders.”

Tipoa'i-Luteru, who is eligible to represent Samoa, New Zealand and Japan, counts Ireland star Bundee Aki among a host of top-level rugby players in his family.

“Bundee (Aki) is my cousin,” he told RugbyJP.

There’s a small window for the university starlet to play against his 35-year-old cousin.

“Yeah, it will have to be in the next couple of years,” said Tipoa'i-Luteru who is one of five siblings.

The Brave Blossoms hopeful, whose father played for the Samoa national team and older brother was captain of Samoa's sevens team, told RugbyJP that he has had several conversations with Japan head coach Eddie Jones.

Tipoa'i-Luteru is deeply embedded in the Japan rugby system and named the legendary Michael Leitch as one of his role models.

“Leitch is a player I admire.

“His record, what he does on the field, what he did for Japan as well. I feel like it's very inspirational what he did for the country and I also feel like I want to follow that same path.” 

Tipoa'i-Luteru revealed to RugbyJP.com that he has penned a deal to join a League One side next year with official announcements to follow in due course.

The hard-working youngster is currently focused on playing his best rugby for his university team and then wants to establish himself in Japan’s star-laden League One competition.

"I'm looking to make a name for myself in League One and follow Michael Leitch’s example and what he's done in the competition.”