Introduction
Steven Setephano (born 15 April 1984) is a New Zealand rugby union player of Cook Islands descent who represents FC Grenoble in the Pro D2. He previously played for Waikato and Otago in the National Provincial Championship as well as the Highlanders and Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition. His positions of choice are number 8 or flanker.
Playing career
Provincial Rugby
Setephano made his debut for Waikato in 2005, and was a regular member of their Air New Zealand Cup squads in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
In an effort to have a stronger chance at earning a Super Rugby contract, Setephano shifted south provincially to Otago, where he featured during 2008 and 2009.
For the 2010 ITM Cup. Setephano moved back to Waikato. However, his season was ended prematurely by a calf injury after just 4 matches.
Super Rugby
Setephano was a wider training group player for the Chiefs in 2006 and 2007.
After transferring to Otago in 2008, Setephano was able to earn a contract with the Highlanders for 2008, making seven starts for the club.
In 2009, Setephano appeared in all 13 matches for the Highlanders and scored his first two Super Rugby tries.
Setephano regained his starting job in 2010, scoring another two tries. However, he was not retained for the 2011 season, as the club made wholesale changes under new coach Jamie Joseph. Which saw him move back to the Chiefs for the 2011 season.
Japan and Europe
Setephano moved to Japan where he played for the NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes, based in Osaka between 2011 and 2015.
In June 2015 he signed a deal to move to France with FC Grenoble.
International
Setephano made his international debut for the Cook Islands at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Oceania qualifier against Fiji on 28 June 2014 in Churchill Park, Lautoka.
Also a New Zealand age grade player, Setephano represented NZ U16, NZ Schoolboy's, NZ U19, and NZ U21.