Name Stephen Setephano Height 1.92 m | Weight 107 kg Positions Flanker | |
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Steven Setephano (born 15 August 1984 in Wellington, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby union player of Cook Islands descent who represents Waikato in the ITM Cup and the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition, playing at number 8 or flanker. He was previously a member of the Highlanders in the Super 14 competition from the 2008 to 2010 seasons.
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Provincial Rugby
Setephano made his debut for Waikato in 2005, and was a regular member of their Air New Zealand Cup squads in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
In an effort to have a stronger chance at earning a Super Rugby contract, Setephano shifted south provincially to Otago, where he featured in the Air New Zealand Cup for 2009 and 2010.
For the 2010 ITM Cup. Setephano moved back to Waikato. However, his season was ended prematurely by a calf injury after just 4 matches, forcing him to miss the Mooloos trip to the ITM Cup Final.
Super Rugby
Setephano was a wider training group player for the Chiefs in 2006 and 2007, but never made a Super 14 appearance for the franchise.
After transferring to Otago in 2008, Setephano was able to earn a contract with the Highlanders for 2008, making seven starts for the club.
In 2009, Setephano appeared in all 13 matches for the Highlanders and scored his first two Super Rugby tries.
Setephano regained his starting job in 2010, scoring another two tries. However, he was not retained for the 2011 season, as the club made wholesale changes under new coach Jamie Joseph. Which saw a move back to the Chiefs.
Setephano returned to the Chiefs for the 2011 season.
International
Setephano made his international debut for the Cook Islands at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Oceania qualifier against Fiji on 28 June 2014 in Churchill Park, Lautoka.
In June 2015 he signed a deal to move to the French Top 14 with FC Grenoble.
Also a NZ age grade player, Setephano represented NZ U16, NZ Schoolboy's, NZ U19, and NZ U21.