When Nepo Laulala arrived at Gloucester earlier this year, fans already knew him as a 53-cap All Black who had played in two Rugby World Cups.
But what his new teammates discovered went far beyond his reputation — they saw his determination, humility, and humor shine through, especially during one of the club’s most notorious traditions.
The Milk Challenge That Won Everyone Over
At Gloucester, new players are initiated with a brutal pre-season test — drinking eight full pints of milk in just 20 minutes without throwing up.
Anyone who fails has their hair immediately shaved off.
It’s almost impossible, with only one player, Aussie flanker Jordy Reid, ever completing it before.
That is, until Laulala gave it a go.
“I remember thinking, ‘this isn’t too bad,’ until I saw the other boys start spewing,” he laughed.
“At Wesley College, we drank milk all the time, so I thought I had an advantage.”
It turned out to be true.
The 6ft powerhouse, weighing nearly 21 stone, downed every drop and earned instant respect from his teammates.
From School Days to Rugby Stardom
Wesley College, the school Laulala mentioned, isn’t just any institution — it’s a rugby breeding ground.
The Auckland-based school has produced All Black legends like Jonah Lomu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, and Stephen Donald, as well as French star Uini Atonio.
For Laulala, rugby was more than a passion; it became a calling.
Yet even with such a decorated background, his move to English rugby was surprisingly low-key, partly because of what he had endured over the past 18 months.
The Dream Move That Turned Into a Nightmare
After helping New Zealand reach the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, Laulala made a life-changing decision — leaving home to join Toulouse, one of the biggest clubs in Europe.
It was meant to be a dream move, both professionally and financially.
But fate had other plans.
Only months after arriving, his Achilles tendon snapped during a training session.
The injury was so severe that French medical staff declared him unfit to play rugby again.
Toulouse tore up his contract, and his family — wife Loriana and their three children — had to return to New Zealand after just settling in France.
“It wasn’t pleasant,” he said softly.
“That period was tough — being told I couldn’t play again really hit hard.”
A Second Chance at Gloucester
While his dream in France had crumbled, Gloucester offered a lifeline.
Laulala continued his rehab there last season before earning a full playing contract.
After 19 months away from the game, he finally made his long-awaited debut in a fiery West Country derby against Bath.
“My rehab has gone really well,” he said gratefully.
“Everyone at Gloucester has been amazing — the physios, the staff, everyone. I wasn’t sure I’d ever play again, so I’m just thankful to be here.”
He admitted the rehab system in France didn’t suit him and delayed his recovery.
“It was hard. But I’m catching up now — I lost my contract, and I’m trying to rebuild my career.”
The Harsh Realities of French Rugby Rules
French medical laws are notoriously strict.
Once a player is deemed unfit there, they can’t play professionally in the country again — even if they might recover later.
Some, like France centre Virimi Vakatawa, have found ways to resume their careers abroad, and Laulala hopes to follow a similar path to redemption.
“They love you when you’re performing in France,” he said.
“But once you’re injured, you’re pretty much done.”
Finding Purpose Beyond the Game
Now 33, Laulala sees Gloucester as more than a team — it’s a fresh chapter. ‘
He’s determined to repay the club’s faith and bring his All Black experience to their young players.
“I didn’t know much about Gloucester before,” he admitted.
“I’d only heard of Bath and Harlequins because we’d trained near Twickenham.
But when I got here, I saw how passionate the people are. It reminds me of home.”
He now lives in Cheltenham while his family remains in New Zealand, a separation that weighs heavily on him.
To fill the quiet moments, he spends time in the gym, attends church, and takes long walks through the Gloucestershire countryside.
The Road Back to Peak Form
Gloucester’s season hasn’t started smoothly.
Injuries have plagued the squad, and they’ve lost their opening three Premiership matches, including a tough defeat against Bath.
Director of rugby George Skivington, however, is optimistic.
“Nepo’s been brilliant,” he said.
“He’s so experienced and professional — a huge influence for our young props.
He’s been through a rough time, but he’s hungry to prove himself again.”
For Laulala, this return feels like a rebirth — a chance to show that resilience can outlast even the toughest setbacks.
Looking Ahead
As he builds his fitness and rhythm, Laulala remains focused on contributing both on and off the field.
“This club means a lot to the people here,” he said.
“If I can give something back and help the team grow, that’s enough for me.”
After nearly losing everything to injury, Nepo Laulala now stands as living proof that perseverance, faith, and a little milk-drinking determination can revive even the most uncertain careers.