[3] In 2004 he was selected as number 65 by the panel of the New Zealand's Top 100 History Makers television show.

[8] After finishing primary school in Nūhaka, Nēpia's father sent fees for him to attend Te Aute College but without his father's permission, went instead to the nearby Maori Agricultural College where, according to Nēpia, the coach of the rugby said he would pay his fees if he was "material for the first XV".

One of his sons, George, himself a promising rugby fullback died at the age of 22 while on army service in Malaya.

At that time Hawkes Bay had one of the strongest teams in New Zealand and held the Ranfurly Shield for twenty four successful defences before losing to Wairarapa in 1927.

Nēpia played at fullback and before each game, led the team's performance of a haka that had been composed for the tour.

[14] During July and August 1937 Nēpia traveled to the South Island, representing both Hornby and Canterbury.

[16] Following his retirement from playing rugby Nēpia became a referee and worked as a farm manager in the Wairoa district.

Kouka spoke to the family before writing the play, and while they supported the project and trusted him, he recalled: "Opening night was scary, though.