Gloucester Rugby has confirmed the signing of Samoan international tighthead prop Marco Fepulea’i, a move that head coach George Skivington believes will inject much-needed physicality and edge into the forward pack for the 2026/27 season.
Born in New Zealand and educated at Auckland Grammar School, Fepulea’i rose through the Blues’ system and made his NPC debut in 2020. Weighing in at 124kg, the prop has built a seasoned career, including two championship-winning seasons with the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR) in the United States in 2021.
In 2022, Fepulea’i transitioned to French rugby, signing with Colomiers in the Pro D2 league where he featured in 60 matches over three seasons. He started the 2025/26 season as a short-term injury replacement for Bayonne in the Top 14, participating in both league and Champions Cup fixtures, before finishing the season with Mont-de-Marsan in Pro D2.
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Internationally, Fepulea’i has represented Samoa since his debut in the 2022 Pacific Nations Cup and has earned eight caps. He is set to increase his international appearances, having been named in Samoa’s Nations Series squad this summer.
Skivington commented on the signing: “We’ve been actively searching for experienced tighthead depth, and Marco’s arrival is a real positive. His physical presence, power, and scrummaging strength will be vital for our pack next season.”
Fepulea’i joins Gloucester as the club prepares for the departures of tightheads Kirill Gotovtsev and Nepo Laulala this summer.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Fepulea’i said, “Joining Gloucester Rugby and competing in the Gallagher Premiership marks a significant step in my career. I’m eager to test myself at this level and contribute physically across all facets of the game. I look forward to earning the respect of my teammates, coaches, and supporters.”