Born and raised in Auckland, Karpik attended King's College in Otahuhu from 2009-2013, and was captain of the 1st XV.[4] Karpik also grew up playing cricket for the Parnell Pirates and had a reputation as a formidable all rounder. Furthermore, during High School Karpik; along with future agent Scott Bevin, formed the all conquering Greenbank Javelin academy, garnering success for many years.[5] After graduating from high school, he played his club rugby in the Auckland region and played for the Blues under-20 and developmental teams.[6]
He received his first taste of provincial rugby with Auckland during the 2015 ITM Cup, where he played a starring role in their run to the Premiership final. He played 11 of Auckland's 12 games during the campaign and scored 3 tries in what was to be his only season with them.[1]
At the conclusion of the 2015 season, it was announced that Karpik would be joining the Bay of Plenty Steamers for 2016.[6] Unfortunately for both parties, a knee injury sustained at the beginning of the year ruled him of the entire campaign which saw the Steamers eliminated at the semi-final stage after finishing 4th on the Championship log.[7]
His debut season at provincial level with Auckland was enough to convince the Hamilton-based ChiefsSuper Rugby franchise to hand him a contract for the 2016 Super Rugby season.[8] A knee injury picked up in pre-season match against the Waratahs saw him miss the entire campaign. Despite this, he was retained in the squad for 2017.[3][7]
