Gloucester sign 124kg Samoan tight-head Fepulea'i to replace departing Laulala

Gloucester have confirmed the signing of Samoan international tight-head Marco Fepulea’i ahead of the 2026/27 Gallagher Premiership season, filling a gap left by the imminent departure of All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala, who is among 12 first-team players leaving the West Country club.

The 124kg, 31-year-old was born in New Zealand and came through the Blues’ system, making his NPC debut in 2020 before crossing to America, where he won the MLR title with the LA Giltinis in 2021. He then relocated to France, spending three seasons and making 60 appearances for Colomiers in Pro D2, with a loan spell at Bayonne at the start of this season yielding three Top 14 appearances and two in the Champions Cup. He completed the campaign back in Pro D2 with Mont-de-Marsan.

Fepulea’i has eight caps for Samoa and has since been named in their World Rugby Nations Cup squad.

Gloucester head coach George Skivington made no secret of the club’s need at the position. “It’s no secret we’ve been looking to add experienced depth at tight head, so we’re really pleased to get this deal done,” he said. “We want our pack to have real physicality and edge next season, and Marco brings exactly that — presence, power and set piece strength. He’ll be a great addition.”

The prop himself expressed enthusiasm for the step up to English top-flight rugby. “I’m delighted to be joining the club and making the move to the Gallagher Prem. It’s a huge step in my career and I’m excited to test myself in a new league,” Fepulea’i said. “I pride myself on being physical on both sides of the ball, and I believe that’s something I can bring to the group.”

Laulala’s single-season stint at Gloucester proved a disappointment, and the 53-cap All Black will shortly move on as the club reshapes its front-row options ahead of next term.