Losi Filipo takes steps to rebuild career at Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship – Stuff.co.nz

Last updated10:49, May 3 2017

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Losi Filipo in action for Wellington last year.

Controversial Wellington rugby player Losi Filipo has been made captain of Samoa at the Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship in Australia as he attempts to rebuild his career.

Filipo caused a public outcry last year when he was discharged without conviction on assault charges from an incident in 2015, in which he attacked a group of four people, including two women, and stomped on one of the victim's head multiple times.

However, that ruling was overturned following an appeal by police and the 18-year-old was sentenced to nine months' supervision as well as being ordered to attend alcohol counselling and a course on living without violence.

Filipo has been playing on the wing for Samoa at the tournament on the Gold Coast and captained the side during Tuesday's 80-23 defeat to New Zealand.

READ MORE: * High Court overturns Filiposentence *Filipo ordered to do counselling * Norquay: Four lives on hold for one rugby player * Female victim speaks out about Filipo attack

Despite making 13 changes from the team that thrashed Fiji by 60 points, New Zealand showed no sign of rust as they ran in 12 tries.

But Filipo believed the scoreline flattered the Kiwis.

"We definitely made a goal for it to slow down their set-piece and I think we pretty much did that," he told Radio New Zealand.

"New Zealand against Fiji they had flowing ball but I thought that our Samoan boys really slowed it down - the results didn't show it but we know as a fact as a team that we did it so I think that's all that counts.

"I mean New Zealand is quite a strong side and to play like that is one hell of a performance."

With Australia beating Fiji 32-24 on Tuesday, they will meet New Zealand in the final on Saturday while Samoa wrap up their campaign against the Fijians.

-Stuff

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Losi Filipo takes steps to rebuild career at Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship - Stuff.co.nz