The secret Piri Weepu kept from New Zealand that could have impacted the world cup

During the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Piri Weepu was dubbed the All Blacks' saviour.

The Hurricane was elevated to cult status when he became the go-to guy after a string of injuries depleted the All Blacks' goal-kicking stocks. He became the face of a fashion trend when 'Keep Calm - Piri's On' T-shirts emerged.

But Weepu has revealed a secret that could have blown his rugby career.

In an interview with espn.co.uk, the halfback admitted he would use his middle name to secretly run out for his rugby league club Wainuiomata Lions less than 24 hours after featuring for the Hurricanes.

"We always used to figure out who was going to be there, and trying to work out whether the media would be there," he told espn.co.uk.

"Sometimes I'd put head gear on, or cover my face in mud right from the get go."

Weepu, a self-confessed rugby league tragic, grew up idolising Andrew Johns and Alfie Langer.

He dreamed of playing for the Kiwis, even after representing the All Blacks.

But he soon started to worry he'd one day be caught on the league field by All Blacks coach Graham Henry, a move that would have landed him in hot water with New Zealand Rugby.

Luckily for the All Blacks, and rugby union fans, Weepu wasn't caught.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup victory could have been in different hands, especially with the Melbourne Storm, Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs knocking on the door for Weepu's signature.

Piri was tempted to follow the same path his brother Billy who represented NRL side Manly Sea Eagles between 1995 and 1997. However, the Hurricanes did enough to keep Piri's services.

• This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission.