Asipeli Moala
| Born | 29 June 1998 Tonga | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 115 kg (18 st 2 lb; 254 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Japan Aviation High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Tenri University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Asipeli Moala (アシペリ・モアラ, Ashiperi moara; born 29 June 1998) is a Tongan rugby union player who plays as a lock, flanker or number 8.[1] He currently plays for Kubota Spears in Japan's domestic Japan Rugby League One.[2]
Early career
Moala is from Tonga before moving to Japan for schooling, where he attended Japan Aviation High School.[3][4] After school, he moved to Japan to study at Tenri University where he also played rugby between 2018 and 2022.[5] Having been schooled in Japan and being eligible on residency grounds, he represented Japan at U19 level, scoring a hat-trick against Ireland,[6] In the same year he represented Japan U2O.[7]
Professional career
While still a university student, Moala signed for the Japanese Super Rugby side the Sunwolves, being named as part of their squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.[8] He did not make an appearance for the side. After graduating he signed for the Kubota Spears in 2022.[9] Having made ten appearances over his first two seasons, Moala missed the majority of the 2025 season through injury.[10]
References
- ^ "Asipeli Moala". Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ 選手名鑑 [Players Directory]. Kubota Spears (in Japanese). Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "The increasing influence of Tongans in Japan". Tier 2 Rugby. 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "Japan High Schools Tour of Ireland 2018". Japan Rugby. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "The 57th Japan University Rugby Championship Tenri Claim Inaugural University Title". Japan Rugby. 11 January 2021. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "Delight For Japan U-19s At Donnybrook As They Claim Ireland Scalp". Irish Rugby. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "World Rugby U20 Championship: Wales 18-17 Japan". BBC Sport. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "トヨタ吉田杏とコーラのルーカスがサンウルブズ加入。天理大の谷口祐一郎とモアラが練習生に". Rugby Republic. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "クボタスピアーズ船橋・東京ベイ2022年度 新入団選手のお知らせ". Kubota Spears (in Japanese). 12 January 2022. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
- ^ "長期欠場のお知らせ（アシペリ・モアラ選手）". Kubota Spears (in Japanese). 23 January 2025. Retrieved 3 November 2025.