Born to Samoan immigrants, Filipo grew up in Huntly before moving with his family to Auckland and then Dunedin where he played rugby for Otago Boys' High School alongside future All Black's Captain Richie McCaw.

Filipo's 13 year career as a professional rugby player saw him playing for The Highlanders, Japanese team Ricoh Blackrams, and facing the All Blacks as the captain for Manu Samoa.

With a Masters Degree in Indigenous Studies from The University of Otago, Filipo is now an inspirational speaker and has recently authored his first book, 'Tackle Your Success; A Step By Step Guide To A New Life After Sports'.