Willie Ripia started his first class career with Waikato and was selected in the Highlanders before he made the move to Taranaki and the Hurricanes.

An accurate goal kicker, Ripia's tactical kicking game was also above average.

He broke into the Hurricanes starting XV in 2008 at the back end of the season and again was first choice in the second half of the 2009 season. 

Ripia eventually moved to the Western Force before returning to New Zealand where he played for Bay of Plenty.