New Zealand born Tongan prop Joe Apikotoa played in Major League Rugby during the 2024 season. He represented Anthem RC for his entire MLR career.

Born in Wellington, NZ, Apikotoa played rugby from an early age and represented the Wellington Orcas U17s between 2012-2013. He was named U17 Player of the Year and Junior Player of the Year in 2013. That same year he also played Rugby League for the New Zealand Residents U18, and the following year for the Melbourne Storm for a short period. He returned to New Zealand and played with the Wellington Lions in NZ’s Mitre 10 (now the National Provincial Championship) between 2015-2017, and attended New Zealand Development Camps in 2015 & 2016, earning a trial with the New Zealand U20s.

Apikotoa played with the Hurricanes in the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens in 2017, before joining the Hawke’s Bay Magpies for their 2018 season. He got another shot at Super Rugby the following year, appearing in a Pre-Season game for the Hurricanes before making the unorthodox move to Spain to play with Basque Club Ordizia RE in the Spanish Division de Honor de Rugby. As the COVID-19 pandemic halted the world, he again returned to New Zealand to play with Hawke’s Bay and won the Mitre 10 Championship and Ranfurly Shield, the latter of which they successfully defended in 2021. Apikotoa finally earned his Super Rugby debut with the Chiefs in 2021, before representing the Moana Pasifika between 2022-2023, returning to play for Hawke’s Bay again in 2023. on 9th July 2024, the Magpies announced that Apikotoa would return for their 2024 NPC season. Of Tongan heritage, Apikotoa is a fully capped Tongan international having been named to the squad for their 2022 Pacific Nations Cup, and played in 3 games at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Apikotoa joined Anthem RC ahead of their inaugural season in 2024, as one of the few international players on the World Rugby, USA Rugby, and MLR partnership team. He scored 2 tries in 11 appearances (all starts), carrying for over 300m gained and completing over 100 tackles. He also captained the side twice during their challenging first season, and was named to the All-MLR Honorable Mention XV for his efforts in the Anthem front row.

achievements

• 2024 All-MLR Honorable Mention XV