Jump to content

Cooper Vuna: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Rollback edit(s) by Rdp060707 (talk): Mistake (RW 16.1)
Tags: Manual revert possible vandalism
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Australia & Tonga international rugby player}}
{{Short description|Australia & Tonga international rugby player}}
{{redirect|Vuna|the son of King [[George Tupou I]]|Vuna Takitakimālohi}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
{{Infobox rugby league biography
| name = Cooper Vuna
| name = Cooper Vuna
| image =Cooper Vuna 2008.jpg
| image =Cooper Vuna 2008.jpg
Line 11: Line 10:
| birth_place = [[Auckland]], New Zealand
| birth_place = [[Auckland]], New Zealand
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|1.80|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|108|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|98|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
⚫
| position = {{rlp|WG}}
⚫
| ru_position = [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
| year1start = 2004 | year1end = 2006
| year2start = 2007 | year2end = 2010
⚫
| club1 = [[New Zealand Warriors]]
⚫
| club2 = [[Newcastle Knights]]
| appearances1 = 5 | points1 = 4
| appearances2 = 54 | points2 = 140
| yearAstart = 2008
⚫
| teamA = [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]]
| appearancesA = 4 | pointsA = 16
| module = {{infobox rugby biography | embed = yes
⚫
| position = [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
| currentclub =
| currentclub =
| repyears1 = 2012
| repyears1 = 2012
Line 18: Line 28:
| repteam1 = [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]
| repteam1 = [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]
| repteam2 = [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]]
| repteam2 = [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]]
| repcaps1 = 2
| repcaps1 = 2 | reppoints1 = 0
| repcaps2 = 16
| repcaps2 = 16 | reppoints2 = 10
| reppoints1 = 0
| reppoints2 = 10
| ru_ntupdate = 6 August 2021
| ru_ntupdate = 6 August 2021
| years1 = 2011–2013 | clubs1 = {{Rut Rebels}} | apps1 = 36 | points1 = 65
| years1 = 2011–2013 | clubs1 = {{Rut|Rebels}} | apps1 = 36 | points1 = 65
| years2 = 2013–2015 | clubs2 = [[Toshiba Brave Lupus]] | apps2 = 18 | points2 = 20
| years2 = 2013–2015 | clubs2 = [[Toshiba Brave Lupus]] | apps2 = 18 | points2 = 20
| years3 = 2015–2017 | clubs3 = [[Worcester Warriors]] | apps3 = 39 | points3 = 95
| years3 = 2015–2017 | clubs3 = [[Worcester Warriors]] | apps3 = 39 | points3 = 95
| years4 = 2018–2019 | clubs4 = [[Bath Rugby]] | apps4 = 20 | points4 = 20
| years4 = 2018–2019 | clubs4 = [[Bath Rugby]] | apps4 = 20 | points4 = 20
| years5 = 2019-2021 | clubs5 = [[Newcastle Falcons]] | apps5 = 7 | points5 = 5
| years5 = 2019–2021 | clubs5 = [[Newcastle Falcons]] | apps5 = 7 | points5 = 5
| ru_clubupdate = 6 August 2021
| ru_clubupdate = 6 August 2021
}}
| occupation =
| university =
| school = [[Otahuhu College]]
⚫
| rl_position = {{rlp|WG}}
| rl_clubyears1 = 2004–2006
| rl_clubyears2 = 2007–2010
⚫
| rl_proclubs1 = [[New Zealand Warriors]]
⚫
| rl_proclubs2 = [[Newcastle Knights]]
| rl_clubapps1 = 5
| rl_clubapps2 = 54
| rl_clubpoints1 = 4
| rl_clubpoints2 = 140
| rl_nationalyears1 = 2008
⚫
| rl_nationalteam1 = [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]]
| rl_nationalapps1 = 3
| rl_nationalpoints1 = 12
}}
}}


'''Kerry Cooper Vuna''' (born 5 July 1987) is a professional [[rugby football]]er who plays on the wing for [[Newcastle Falcons]] in [[Premiership Rugby]]. He played [[rugby league]] as a {{rlp|wg}} for the [[New Zealand Warriors]] and [[Newcastle Knights]] in the [[National Rugby League]] competition, before switching to [[rugby union]] to play [[Super Rugby]] for the [[Melbourne Rebels]].
''' Kerry Cooper Vuna''' (born 7 May 1987) is a professional [[rugby football]]er who plays on the wing for [[Newcastle Falcons]] in [[Premiership Rugby]]. He played [[rugby league]] as a {{rlp|wg}} for the [[New Zealand Warriors]] and [[Newcastle Knights]] in the [[National Rugby League]] competition, before switching to [[rugby union]] to play [[Super Rugby]] for the [[Melbourne Rebels]].


==Early years==
==Early years==
Cooper Vuna is of [[Tonga]]n descent. He was born in [[Auckland]], New Zealand and grew up in Otahuhu with his family. He has three sisters, and four brothers. One brother played for Junior Roosters under 21s.{{citation needed| date = March 2012}}
Cooper Vuna is of [[Tonga]]n descent. He was born in [[Auckland]], New Zealand, and grew up in Otahuhu with his family. He has three sisters and four brothers. He is the older brother of [[Joseph Vuna]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zerotackle.com/youngster-puts-career-on-hold-for-mormon-mission-37121/ |title=Youngster puts career on hold for Mormon mission |publisher=Zero Tackle |date=3 October 2018 |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>


Vuna played high school [[rugby union]] until he was 15, switching to [[rugby league]] after being scouted by the [[New Zealand Warriors]].<ref name=Switcheroo>{{
Vuna played high school [[rugby union]] until he was 15, switching to [[rugby league]] after being scouted by the [[New Zealand Warriors]].<ref name=Switcheroo>{{
Line 67: Line 60:


==Rugby league career==
==Rugby league career==
Vuna signed with the [[New Zealand Warriors]] and made his [[National Rugby League|first grade]] debut late in 2004, in Round 24 against the [[Parramatta Eels]].<ref name = shining-knight-vuna /> Vuna went on to play five games for the club over the next three years before leaving, seeking regular game time.{{Citation needed| date = January 2011}}
Vuna signed with the [[New Zealand Warriors]] and made his [[National Rugby League|first grade]] debut late in 2004, in Round 24 against the [[Parramatta Eels]].<ref name = shining-knight-vuna /> Vuna went on to play five games for the club over the next three years before leaving, seeking regular game time.<ref name=CW>{{cite web |url=https://classicwallabies.com.au/players/kerry-cooper-vuna |title=Kerry Cooper Vuna |publisher=Classic Wallabies |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>


Vuna signed with the [[Newcastle Knights]] in mid-2007, seeking to break into first grade. He was picked in the Knights' squad the week he was signed, after the squad suffered several withdrawals. Vuna established himself in the Knights first grade squad, playing in over fifty matches for the club between 2007 and 2010.{{Citation needed| date = October 2010}}
Vuna signed with the [[Newcastle Knights]] in mid-2007, seeking to break into first grade. He was picked in the Knights' squad the week he was signed after the squad suffered several withdrawals. Vuna established himself in the Knights first grade squad, playing in over fifty matches for the club between 2007 and 2010.<ref name=CW/>


In Round 24, 2010 Vuna scored 4 tries against the [[Brisbane Broncos]] equalling the Newcastle Knights' club record for most tries in a game.{{Citation needed| date = October 2010}}
In Round 24, 2010 Vuna scored 4 tries against the [[Brisbane Broncos]] equalling the Newcastle Knights' club record for most tries in a game.<ref name=WarriorsProfile>{{cite web |url=https://nzwarriors.com/player-profiles/cooper-vuna.168/ |title=Cooper Vuna |publisher=NZ Warriors |date=25 December 2014 |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>


===Representative career===
===Representative career===
Vuna was selected in the [[New Zealand national rugby league team]]' training squad in 2007 but did not make the final squad.{{Citation needed| date = October 2010}}
Vuna was selected in the [[New Zealand national rugby league team]]' training squad in 2007 but did not make the final squad.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/ten-new-faces-in-nz-train-on-squad-20070914-gdr3ta.html |title=Ten new faces in NZ train-on squad |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 September 2007 |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>


Vuna was also named in the Kiwis' [[New Zealand national rugby league team#2008 World Cup Squad|2008 squad]] training for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] but played in three matches for [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] instead.<ref name="Kiwis select Sonny Bill">{{
Vuna was also named in the Kiwis' [[New Zealand national rugby league team#2008 World Cup Squad|2008 squad]] training for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup|World Cup]] but played in three matches for [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] instead.<ref name="Kiwis select Sonny Bill">{{
cite web| url =http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html
cite web| url =http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3949034,00.html
| title=Kiwis select Sonny Bill|publisher=Sky Sports
| title=Kiwis select Sonny Bill|publisher=Sky Sports
| date=8 August 2008| access-date=8 August 2008}}</ref><ref name="Testing time for Knights flyer">{{
| date=8 August 2008| access-date=8 August 2008}}</ref><ref name="Tug-of-war over Mason">{{
cite web
| url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/testing-time-for-knights-flyer/2008/04/04/1207249406489.html| title=Testing time for Knights flyer|date=4 April 2008| access-date=4 April 2008}} {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Vuna extends Knights deal Cooper coup">{{
cite web|url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/vuna-extends-knights-deal-cooper-coup/2008/04/08/1207420363295.html
| title=Vuna extends Knights deal Cooper coup
| date=8 April 2008|access-date=8 April 2008}} {{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="Tug-of-war over Mason">{{
cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3935853,00.html
cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3935853,00.html
| title=Tug-of-war over Mason| publisher=Sky Sports
| title=Tug-of-war over Mason| publisher=Sky Sports
Line 92: Line 80:
| date=8 October 2008|access-date=9 October 2008}}</ref>
| date=8 October 2008|access-date=9 October 2008}}</ref>


In 2011 Cooper was named in the initial 50-man squad for the Tongan Rugby Union Team for the Rugby World Cup.{{citation needed|date = June 2011}}
In 2011 Cooper was named in the initial 50-man squad for the Tongan Rugby Union Team for the Rugby World Cup.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/cooper-vuna-earns-tongan-callup-20110421-1dq3p.html |title=Cooper Vuna earns Tongan call-up |publisher=Sydney Morning Herald |date=21 April 2011 |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref>


==Rugby union career==
==Rugby union career==
Line 127: Line 115:
He debuted in Super Rugby for the first round of the Rebels season against the Waratahs. He ended the season playing 14 games of the Super Rugby season [[2011 Super Rugby season|2011]] and scored 4 tries.
He debuted in Super Rugby for the first round of the Rebels season against the Waratahs. He ended the season playing 14 games of the Super Rugby season [[2011 Super Rugby season|2011]] and scored 4 tries.


Vuna played his first game for [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] 9 June 2012, against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] in Brisbane. The Rebels media unit reported how immensely proud Vuna felt to have been selected, and that a lot of training had gone into his preparation.<ref>{{cite press release| author = Rebels Media Unit| title = Tears flowed when Vuna was told of his selection| publisher = Melbourne Rebels| date = 8 June 2012| url = http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/6798/Default.aspx| access-date = 10 June 2012}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Vuna played 71 minutes of the Test, the first of a [[2012 mid-year rugby test series|series]] of three between Wallabies and the visiting Welshmen. Vuna was selected again for the second test, in Melbourne a week later.<ref>{{
Vuna played his first game for [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]] 9 June 2012, against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]] in Brisbane.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/cooper-vuna-converts-a-chance-after-switch-from-rugby-league/news-story/fbaf4b7f3a8b94043bd3cef3dbace2c9 |title=Cooper Vuna converts a chance after switch from rugby league |publisher=The Australian |date=8 June 2012 |access-date=8 January 2022}}</ref> Vuna played 71 minutes of the Test, the first of a [[2012 mid-year rugby test series|series]] of three between Wallabies and the visiting Welshmen. Vuna was selected again for the second test, in Melbourne a week later.<ref>{{
cite press release| author = Wallabies Media Unit| title = Wallabies un-changed for second Wales Test| publisher = Australian Rugby Union| date = 12 June 2012| url = http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1516/ArticleID/6831/Default.aspx| access-date = 14 June 2012}}</ref>
cite press release| author = Wallabies Media Unit| title = Wallabies unchanged for second Wales Test| publisher = Australian Rugby Union| date = 12 June 2012| url = http://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1516/ArticleID/6831/Default.aspx| access-date = 14 June 2012}}</ref>


In August 2012, Vuna dislocated his shoulder while playing for the Endeavour Hills club. A week later he underwent surgery. According to a Wallabies spokesman, Vuna could expect to face a six-month recovery period.<ref name=shoulder-surgery>{{
In August 2012, Vuna dislocated his shoulder while playing for the Endeavour Hills club. A week later he underwent surgery. According to a Wallabies spokesman, Vuna could expect to face a six-month recovery period.<ref name=shoulder-surgery>{{
Line 136: Line 124:
| access-date = 13 August 2012}}</ref> This could see him sidelined until February 2013.
| access-date = 13 August 2012}}</ref> This could see him sidelined until February 2013.


In May 2013, it was announced that Vuna would leave the Rebels at the end of the season to join Japanese [[Top League]] club [[Toshiba Brave Lupus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/melbourne-rebels-winger-cooper-vuna-to-leave-club-at-seasons-end-to-take-up-japanese-offer/story-fnii0ksb-1226673034697|title=Melbourne Rebels winger Cooper Vuna to leave club at season's end to take up Japanese offer|website=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2017-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/melbourne-rebels-winger-cooper-vuna-to-leave-super-rugby-at-seasons-end-to-take-up-japanese-offer/story-e6frf4qu-1226673041180#.UeDY_20kPf0|title=Vuna leaving Rebels for Japan|date=2 July 2013|website=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/cooper-vuna-to-leave-melbourne-rebels-at-the-end-of-the-super-rugby-season/|title=SANZAR - Cooper Vuna to leave Melbourne Rebels at the end of the Super Rugby season|website=Sanzarrugby.com|access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref> He joins head coach [[Damien Hill]] and fellow Rebels players [[James O'Connor (rugby union)|James O'Connor]], [[Gareth Delve]], [[Ged Robinson]], [[Nick Phipps (rugby union)|Nick Phipps]], [[Nic Henderson]], [[James King (New Zealand rugby union player)|James King]], [[Tim Davidson]] and [[Richard Kingi]] on the list of departing Rebels at the end of 2013. His last game as a Rebels player was a home game against New Zealand franchise the Highlanders, a match that also turned out to be the last Rebels match for head coach [[Damien Hill]] and players [[James O'Connor (rugby union)|James O'Connor]], [[Gareth Delve]], [[Ged Robinson]], [[Nick Phipps (rugby union)|Nick Phipps]] and [[Nic Henderson]]. In front of over 12,000 spectators, the Rebels overcame a 24-point half-time deficit to achieve a remarkable 38–37 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders, ending Vuna's tenure as a Rebels player on a winning note, with Vuna scored two tries in the same match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/9808/Default.aspx |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-07-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716051431/http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/9808/Default.aspx |archive-date=16 July 2013}}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20130713045917/http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/rebels-give-james-oconnor-and-coach-damien-hill-fairytale-send-off-with-win-over-highlanders/story-e6frf4qu-1226678700085%23.UeDPkG0kPf0]</ref> With 13 Rebels tries to his name, Vuna left the Rebels as their highest try scorer to date.{{cn|date=June 2021}}
In May 2013, it was announced that Vuna would leave the Rebels at the end of the season to join Japanese [[Top League]] club [[Toshiba Brave Lupus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/rugby/melbourne-rebels-winger-cooper-vuna-to-leave-club-at-seasons-end-to-take-up-japanese-offer/story-fnii0ksb-1226673034697|title=Melbourne Rebels winger Cooper Vuna to leave club at season's end to take up Japanese offer|website=Couriermail.com.au|access-date=2017-08-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/melbourne-rebels-winger-cooper-vuna-to-leave-super-rugby-at-seasons-end-to-take-up-japanese-offer/story-e6frf4qu-1226673041180#.UeDY_20kPf0|title=Vuna leaving Rebels for Japan|date=2 July 2013|website=Foxsports.com.au|access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanzarrugby.com/superrugby/news/cooper-vuna-to-leave-melbourne-rebels-at-the-end-of-the-super-rugby-season/|title=SANZAR - Cooper Vuna to leave Melbourne Rebels at the end of the Super Rugby season|website=Sanzarrugby.com|access-date=12 August 2017}}</ref> He joins head coach [[Damien Hill]] and fellow Rebels players [[James O'Connor (rugby union)|James O'Connor]], [[Gareth Delve]], [[Ged Robinson]], [[Nick Phipps (rugby union)|Nick Phipps]], [[Nic Henderson]], [[James King (New Zealand rugby union player)|James King]], [[Tim Davidson]] and [[Richard Kingi]] on the list of departing Rebels at the end of 2013. His last game as a Rebels player was a home game against New Zealand franchise the Highlanders, a match that also turned out to be the last Rebels match for head coach [[Damien Hill]] and players [[James O'Connor (rugby union)|James O'Connor]], [[Gareth Delve]], [[Ged Robinson]], [[Nick Phipps (rugby union)|Nick Phipps]] and [[Nic Henderson]]. In front of over 12,000 spectators, the Rebels overcame a 24-point half-time deficit to achieve a remarkable 38–37 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders, ending Vuna's tenure as a Rebels player on a winning note, with Vuna scoring two tries in the same match.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/9808/Default.aspx |title=Rebels Farewell Departing Stars with Incredible Comeback |access-date=2013-07-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716051431/http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/9808/Default.aspx |archive-date=16 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/rebels-give-james-oconnor-and-coach-damien-hill-fairytale-send-off-with-win-over-highlanders/story-e6frf4qu-1226678700085%23.UeDPkG0kPf0 |title=Rebels give James O'Connor and coach Damien Hill fairytale send off with win over Highlanders &#124; Super Rugby &#124; Fox Sports |website=www.foxsports.com.au |access-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130713045917/http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/rebels-give-james-oconnor-and-coach-damien-hill-fairytale-send-off-with-win-over-highlanders/story-e6frf4qu-1226678700085%23.UeDPkG0kPf0 |archive-date=13 July 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


On 2 March 2015, Vuna travelled to England to join [[Worcester Warriors]] in the [[Premiership Rugby]] with immediate effect from the 2015-16 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31694473|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Worcester Warriors sign Cooper Vuna and Sam Lewis|date=2 March 2015|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref> Following his release from Worcester, Vuna signed for local rivals [[Bath Rugby|Bath]] for the 2018-19 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/sport/15847075.bath-rugby-sign-former-worcester-wing-cooper-vuna/|publisher=Wiltshire Times|title=Bath Rugby sign former Worcester wing Cooper Vuna|date=17 January 2018|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref>
On 2 March 2015, Vuna travelled to England to join [[Worcester Warriors]] in the [[Premiership Rugby]] with immediate effect from the 2015–16 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/31694473|publisher=BBC Sport|title=Worcester Warriors sign Cooper Vuna and Sam Lewis|date=2 March 2015|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref> Following his release from Worcester, Vuna signed for local rivals [[Bath Rugby|Bath]] for the 2018–19 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/sport/15847075.bath-rugby-sign-former-worcester-wing-cooper-vuna/|publisher=Wiltshire Times|title=Bath Rugby sign former Worcester wing Cooper Vuna|date=17 January 2018|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref>


On 26 June 2019, Vuna signed for Premiership rivals [[Newcastle Falcons]] on a two-year deal from the 2019-20 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news/story/bath-wing-vuna-makes-falcons-move|publisher=Falcons|title=Bath wing Vuna makes Falcons move|date=26 June 2019|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref>
On 26 June 2019, Vuna signed for Premiership rivals [[Newcastle Falcons]] on a two-year deal from the 2019–20 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news/story/bath-wing-vuna-makes-falcons-move|publisher=Falcons|title=Bath wing Vuna makes Falcons move|date=26 June 2019|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
Line 160: Line 148:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vuna, Cooper}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vuna, Cooper}}
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:New Zealand rugby union players]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:New Zealand rugby league players]]
[[Category:ACS Tomitanii Constanța players]]
[[Category:New Zealand people of Tongan descent]]
[[Category:Auckland rugby league team players]]
⚫
[[Category:Central Coast Centurions players]]
[[Category:Australia international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Australia international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Tonga national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Australian rugby union players]]
⚫
[[Category:Bath Rugby players]]
⚫
[[Category:Central Coast Centurions players]]
⚫
[[Category:Cessnock Goannas players]]
⚫
[[Category:Tongan expatriate rugby union players in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:Tongan expatriate rugby union players in England]]
⚫
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]
⚫
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Romania]]
[[Category:Melbourne Rebels players]]
[[Category:Melbourne Rebels players]]
⚫
[[Category:New Zealand expatriate rugby union players in England]]
[[Category:New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Australia]]
[[Category:New Zealand rugby union players]]
⚫
[[Category:New Zealand rugby league players]]
[[Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Tongan descent]]
[[Category:Newcastle Falcons players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Knights players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Knights players]]
[[Category:New Zealand Warriors players]]
[[Category:New Zealand Warriors players]]
⚫
[[Category:Cessnock Goannas players]]
⚫
[[Category:Auckland rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Otahuhu Leopards players]]
[[Category:Otahuhu Leopards players]]
[[Category:Tamaki Titans players]]
[[Category:People educated at Otahuhu College]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Auckland]]
[[Category:Rugby league wingers]]
[[Category:Rugby league wingers]]
[[Category:Rugby union centres]]
[[Category:Rugby union centres]]
⚫
[[Category:Rugby league players from Auckland]]
[[Category:People educated at Otahuhu College]]
⚫
[[Category:New Zealand expatriate rugby union players]]
⚫
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]
⚫
[[Category:Toshiba Brave Lupus players]]
⚫
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Auckland]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Auckland]]
⚫
[[Category:Tamaki Titans players]]
[[Category:Tonga international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Tonga international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Bath Rugby players]]
[[Category:Tonga national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Newcastle Falcons rugby players]]
[[Category:Tongan rugby league players]]
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in England]]
[[Category:Tongan rugby union players]]
[[Category:Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo players]]
[[Category:2019 Rugby World Cup players]]

Latest revision as of 09:53, 12 June 2024

Cooper Vuna
Vuna while playing for Tonga at the 2008 RLWC
Personal information
BornKerry Cooper Vuna
(1987-05-07) 7 May 1987 (age 37)
Auckland, New Zealand
Height1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Weight98 kg (15 st 6 lb)
Playing information
PositionWing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2004–2006 New Zealand Warriors 5 4
2007–2010 Newcastle Knights 54 140
Total 59 0 0 0 144
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2008 Tonga 4 16
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2011–2013 Rebels 36 (65)
2013–2015 Toshiba Brave Lupus 18 (20)
2015–2017 Worcester Warriors 39 (95)
2018–2019 Bath Rugby 20 (20)
2019–2021 Newcastle Falcons 7 (5)
Correct as of 6 August 2021
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012 Australien 2 (0)
2016–2021 Tonga 16 (10)
Correct as of 6 August 2021

Kerry Cooper Vuna (born 7 May 1987) is a professional rugby footballer who plays on the wing for Newcastle Falcons in Premiership Rugby. He played rugby league as a wing for the New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League competition, before switching to rugby union to play Super Rugby for the Melbourne Rebels.

Early years

[edit]

Cooper Vuna is of Tongan descent. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and grew up in Otahuhu with his family. He has three sisters and four brothers. He is the older brother of Joseph Vuna.[1]

Vuna played high school rugby union until he was 15, switching to rugby league after being scouted by the New Zealand Warriors.[2] His junior club was the Otahuhu Leopards.[3] And he represented the Auckland Lions in the Bartercard Cup[3] and NSWRL Premier League.

Rugby league career

[edit]

Vuna signed with the New Zealand Warriors and made his first grade debut late in 2004, in Round 24 against the Parramatta Eels.[3] Vuna went on to play five games for the club over the next three years before leaving, seeking regular game time.[4]

Vuna signed with the Newcastle Knights in mid-2007, seeking to break into first grade. He was picked in the Knights' squad the week he was signed after the squad suffered several withdrawals. Vuna established himself in the Knights first grade squad, playing in over fifty matches for the club between 2007 and 2010.[4]

In Round 24, 2010 Vuna scored 4 tries against the Brisbane Broncos equalling the Newcastle Knights' club record for most tries in a game.[5]

Representative career

[edit]

Vuna was selected in the New Zealand national rugby league team' training squad in 2007 but did not make the final squad.[6]

Vuna was also named in the Kiwis' 2008 squad training for the World Cup but played in three matches for Tonga instead.[7][8] In October 2008 he was named in the final 24-man Tonga squad.[9]

In 2011 Cooper was named in the initial 50-man squad for the Tongan Rugby Union Team for the Rugby World Cup.[10]

Rugby union career

[edit]

In May 2010, Vuna signed a two-year contract with the Melbourne Rebels.[11][12][13][14] He played the Rebels' pre-season trials against Tonga and Fiji; against the Crusaders he ran on with former Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Julian Huxley.[15][16] He debuted in Super Rugby for the first round of the Rebels season against the Waratahs. He ended the season playing 14 games of the Super Rugby season 2011 and scored 4 tries.

Vuna played his first game for Australia 9 June 2012, against Wales in Brisbane.[17] Vuna played 71 minutes of the Test, the first of a series of three between Wallabies and the visiting Welshmen. Vuna was selected again for the second test, in Melbourne a week later.[18]

In August 2012, Vuna dislocated his shoulder while playing for the Endeavour Hills club. A week later he underwent surgery. According to a Wallabies spokesman, Vuna could expect to face a six-month recovery period.[19] This could see him sidelined until February 2013.

In May 2013, it was announced that Vuna would leave the Rebels at the end of the season to join Japanese Top League club Toshiba Brave Lupus.[20][21][22] He joins head coach Damien Hill and fellow Rebels players James O'Connor, Gareth Delve, Ged Robinson, Nick Phipps, Nic Henderson, James King, Tim Davidson and Richard Kingi on the list of departing Rebels at the end of 2013. His last game as a Rebels player was a home game against New Zealand franchise the Highlanders, a match that also turned out to be the last Rebels match for head coach Damien Hill and players James O'Connor, Gareth Delve, Ged Robinson, Nick Phipps and Nic Henderson. In front of over 12,000 spectators, the Rebels overcame a 24-point half-time deficit to achieve a remarkable 38–37 come-from-behind victory over the Highlanders, ending Vuna's tenure as a Rebels player on a winning note, with Vuna scoring two tries in the same match.[23][24]

On 2 March 2015, Vuna travelled to England to join Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby with immediate effect from the 2015–16 season.[25] Following his release from Worcester, Vuna signed for local rivals Bath for the 2018–19 season.[26]

On 26 June 2019, Vuna signed for Premiership rivals Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal from the 2019–20 season.[27]

Family

[edit]

His father, John Vuna, represented Tonga in rugby union. He has a son called Lincoln Vuna

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Youngster puts career on hold for Mormon mission". Zero Tackle. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  2. ^ Kilgallon, Steve (30 May 2010). "Switcheroo Vuna goes for Wallabies over ABs". Sunday Star Times. Retrieved 7 October 2010.
  3. ^ a b c "From Shining Knight to the Rebel Army" (Press release). Melbourne Rebels. 6 January 2011. Archived from the original on 3 June 2010. Retrieved 6 January 2011.
  4. ^ a b "Kerry Cooper Vuna". Classic Wallabies. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Cooper Vuna". NZ Warriors. 25 December 2014. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  6. ^ "Ten new faces in NZ train-on squad". Sydney Morning Herald. 14 September 2007. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  7. ^ "Kiwis select Sonny Bill". Sky Sports. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 8 August 2008.
  8. ^ "Tug-of-war over Mason". Sky Sports. 5 August 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
  9. ^ "Samoa, Tonga and Fiji name squads". BBC. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2008.
  10. ^ "Cooper Vuna earns Tongan call-up". Sydney Morning Herald. 21 April 2011. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  11. ^ "Lipman, Vuna Sign" (Press release). Melbourne Rebels. 24 May 2010. Archived from the original on 3 June 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  12. ^ Toohey, Barry (23 May 2010). "Cooper Vuna runs to rugby joining Melbourne Rebels for 2010". Fox Sports NRL. News Limited. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  13. ^ Smith, Wayne (22 May 2010). "Rebels chase Knights flyer Cooper Vuna". The Australian. News Limited. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  14. ^ Smith, Wayne (24 May 2010). "Vuna springs surprise on Dad". The Australian. News Limited. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  15. ^ Gould, Russell (7 February 2011). "Julian Huxley looks to build fitness". Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved 9 May 2010.
  16. ^ Smith, Wayne (7 February 2011). "From Knights to Wallabies bolter". The Australian. News. Retrieved 9 February 2011.
  17. ^ "Cooper Vuna converts a chance after switch from rugby league". The Australian. 8 June 2012. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  18. ^ Wallabies Media Unit (12 June 2012). "Wallabies unchanged for second Wales Test" (Press release). Australian Rugby Union. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  19. ^ Gould, Russell (8 August 2012). "Wallaby Vuna has surgery on shoulder injury". Herald Sun. News. Retrieved 13 August 2012.
  20. ^ "Melbourne Rebels winger Cooper Vuna to leave club at season's end to take up Japanese offer". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  21. ^ "Vuna leaving Rebels for Japan". Foxsports.com.au. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  22. ^ "SANZAR - Cooper Vuna to leave Melbourne Rebels at the end of the Super Rugby season". Sanzarrugby.com. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  23. ^ "Rebels Farewell Departing Stars with Incredible Comeback". Archived from the original on 16 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  24. ^ "Rebels give James O'Connor and coach Damien Hill fairytale send off with win over Highlanders | Super Rugby | Fox Sports". www.foxsports.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  25. ^ "Worcester Warriors sign Cooper Vuna and Sam Lewis". BBC Sport. 2 March 2015. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  26. ^ "Bath Rugby sign former Worcester wing Cooper Vuna". Wiltshire Times. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  27. ^ "Bath wing Vuna makes Falcons move". Falcons. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Cooper_Vuna&oldid=1228637051"