John Ulugia

Hooker

Profile
Height:	180cm
Weight:	112kg
Date Of Birth:	17/10/1986
Place of Birth:	Auckland NZL

Rugby Career
Senior Club:	Eastern Suburbs

Stats
Provincial Rugby Caps:	50 [ACT 14, NSW 36]
Provincial Rugby Points:	10 (2t), HSBC Waratahs 10 (2t)
Provincial Rugby Debut:	2006 v Cheetahs [ACT]
Super Rugby Caps:	48 [Brumbies 12, HSBC Waratahs 36]
Super Rugby Points:	10 (2t), HSBC Waratahs 10 (2t)
Super Rugby Debut:	2006 v Cheetahs [Brumbies]

Since spending a year in limbo in 2010, working in a meat factory and playing for his former Shute Shield side Southern Districts, Ulugia has become an integral part of the HSBC Waratahs squad. Capable of playing hooker or tight-head prop, the talented front rower has earned 26 NSW Super Rugby caps over his two seasons with the squad.

John was born across the ditch, in Auckland, but moved to Victoria to study at Noble Park High School. He started his Super Rugby career in 2006 for the Brumbies, where he earned 12 caps over four seasons with the club. Unwanted in Canberra for the 2010 season, Ulugia spent a year away from Super Rugby until hard work and determination saw the big hooker earn a place in the HSBC Waratahs wider training squad for 2011.

Injury to Tatafu Polota-Nau midway through the season presented Ulugia the chance to make his NSW Super Rugby debut against the Cheetahs in round five. Under a wave of public pressure, Ulugia was a standout against the Western Force when he scored the match-winning try in a headline-grabbing performance. A further string of strong performances earned him a contract extension, keeping him in NSW until 2013.

Outside of rugby, John enjoys spending time with his young daughter Ivona Julie and his wife Georgina, whom he lives with in Ramsgate. He lists fitness, cars and motorsport as his hobbies and has the unconventional routine of drinking three to four flat whites before each game.

He joined current club Eastern Suburbs for the 2013 season.

Updated May 21, 2013