Willie Ripia, New Zealand rugby player
Willie Ripia (born 20 August 1985) is a rugby union player. He plays as a first five-eighth. He was born in Murupara, New Zealand. Ripia attended Rotorua Boys' High School.
Ripia started his Super 14 career at the Highlanders before moving to the Hurricanes. He also played for Taranaki in the NPC. Ripia has played for New Zealand at U-19 and U-21 levels, and also for New Zealand Maori. In August 2010 he declared his intention to play for Australia when he qualifies on residency. He signed a 2-year contract at the Western Force, but resigned in January 2012 following a serious breach of protocol. Ripia currently plays as a first five-eighth for the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the ITM Cup
1985Aug, 20
Willie Ripia
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Events on 1985
- 10Jan
Daniel Ortega
Sandinista Daniel Ortega becomes president of Nicaragua and vows to continue the transformation to socialism and alliance with the Soviet Union and Cuba; American policy continues to support the Contras in their revolt against the Nicaraguan government. - 13May
Philadelphia
Police release a bomb on MOVE headquarters in Philadelphia to end a stand-off, killing six adults and five children, and destroying the homes of 250 city residents. - 25May
Tropical cyclone
Bangladesh is hit by a tropical cyclone and storm surge, which kills approximately 10,000 people. - 6Jun
Auschwitz concentration camp
The grave of "Wolfgang Gerhard" is opened in Embu, Brazil; the exhumed remains are later proven to be those of Josef Mengele, Auschwitz's "Angel of Death"; Mengele is thought to have drowned while swimming in February 1979. - 13Sep
Super Mario
Super Mario Bros. is released in Japan for the NES, which starts the Super Mario series of platforming games.