Ross Filipo


Ross Ami Filipo is a New Zealand rugby union footballer who currently plays for Hawke's Bay in the Mitre 10 Cup.

Career

New Zealand

Filipo first played provincial rugby for Marlborough in 2001. He then played for Wellington B in 2002, and made his debut for Wellington in 2003. Although he had played for the Hurricanes development squad in 2003, he was not selected for the Hurricanes in 2004 and instead was drafted into the Crusaders for the 2004 Super 12. He has since stayed with the Crusaders for the Super 12 and Super 14 whilst playing for Wellington in the Air New Zealand Cup.
Filipo played for the New Zealand Māori in 2005 when they defeated the British and Irish Lions for the first time – he cites this as a career highlight. After the 2007 Super 14 season where Filipo scored six tries he was selected for the Junior All Blacks. After injuries to All Black locks Ali Williams and Keith Robinson, Filipo was called into the All Blacks squad.
Filipo was also selected for the All Blacks end of season Grand Slam tour at the end of 2008; he played against Scotland and Munster during this tour. He was also one of the regular guests on the Rugby Roundtable, which is a rugby union podcast based out of New Zealand.

Europe

In April 2009 it was announced that Filipo would be signing for Bayonne in the French Top 14 competition; he left for Bayonne at the conclusion of the 2009 Super 14 season.
On 11 April 2011 it was announced that Filipo would be signing for Wasps in the English Aviva Premiership