Kamehameha Schools Kapālama 2006 alumnus Kaipo Sarkissian is the first Native Hawaiian invited to attend the prestigious International Rugby Academy of New Zealand. The world-renown academy prepares players and coaches for the intense sport of professional rugby.
Sarkissian – born and raised in Waimānalo, O‘ahu – left for New Zealand early this year to pursue his life’s passion.
“It is an honor being the first native Hawaiian to be invited to the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand,” Sarkissian said. “I truly believe it is a huge responsibility to represent Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian people.”
Sarkissian’s path to the sport started with playing football when he first entered Kamehameha Schools in the seventh grade. He played through high school and later at California’s El Camino College where he captained the football team. He was then awarded a full scholarship to play for the University of Tulsa where he discovered rugby.
“After I was done with my football career at the University of Tulsa, I had another year of school left and took advantage of Tulsa’s rugby program and fell in love with the sport,” Sarkissian said. “I had an amazing coach and loved the culture of playing hard on the filed as well as meeting people from around the world.”
After graduating from the university, Sarkissian returned to O‘ahu and continued to play rugby with the Hawaii Harlequins. Although balancing his passion for rugby with his job as a stevedore has been a challenge, Sarkissian believes that everything happens for a reason.
“The company that I currently work for was gracious enough to let me take leave,” said Sarkissian. “But, it was a huge opportunity for me that they could not let me pass up.”
Sarkissian’s primary goal for attending the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand is to bring his skill level up to a competitive place so he can have a chance at playing with the USA’s national rugby team, the Eagles.
“Kaipo is the best candidate to develop and promote for the US Eagles selection,” said Murray Mexted, founder of the International Rugby Academy and former Hawaii Harlequins player.
“To achieve this would be fantastic, as he is part Hawaiian. Attending the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand will provide him with more discipline and strong mind management tools, which I’m sure will serve him well on and off the field.”
When he returns home, Sarkissian wants to share what he learns with others in the community, especially with young people.
“I have two younger brothers and a bunch of family who haven’t had the privilege of traveling or getting to know other cultures,” Sarkissian said. “It is important for me to come back and share my experience with the youth so they can see that there is a whole world outside of Hawai‘i.
“I want to help the youth understand that it is important for them to find something they love and can be passionate about, to stay out of trouble.”
Get a glimpse into Sarkissian’s world of rugby by following him on Instagram, @kaip_sark28, and exploring the #KIWIKaipo hashtag.
It is important for me to come back and share my experience with the youth so they can see that there is a whole world outside of Hawai‘i. I want to help the youth understand that it is important for them to find something they love and can be passionate about, to stay out of trouble.
Kaipo Sarkissian
Sarkissian’s path toward rugby started with playing football at KS.
When he returns home, Sarkissian wants to share his experience with young people.
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