The Class of 2025
Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
Rugby Career Highlights
Tana Umaga is a New Zealand born Samoan rugby great and has earned a reputation as a formidable force in the sport, representing New Zealand in numerous international competitions and earning accolades for his dedication and influence on the game. Debuting for the All Blacks in 1997, he earned 74 test caps before retiring in 2006. As the first Pasifika captain of the All Blacks in 2004, he led the team to reclaim the Bledisloe Cup and the Tri-Nations title, solidifying his leadership on the world stage. Initially a winger, he successfully transitioned into a world-class center, demonstrating his adaptability and skill. Known for his resilience and strong on-field presence, he became a key player in the All Blacks’ success during his era.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
As the first New Zealander of Pacific heritage to captain the All Blacks, he paved the way for future Pasifika leaders in rugby. His achievements inspired generations of Pasifika players to pursue leadership roles and professional rugby careers. Beyond his playing days, he actively advocated for the recognition and development of Pacific rugby talent. His commitment to Pasifika rugby continued as a coach for Moana Pasifika, reinforcing his dedication to strengthening Pacific representation in professional rugby.
Legacy and Influence
His sportsmanship and leadership were widely recognised, earning him the prestigious Pierre de Coubertin World Trophy in 2003. Transitioning into coaching, he mentored young players in New Zealand, France, and Italy, shaping the next generation of rugby talent. His contributions to the sport were further acknowledged with his induction into the RugbyPass Hall of Fame in 2021. Today, he remains a significant figure in rugby, influencing the game through coaching, player development, and advocacy for Pasifika athletes.
Viliami Ofahengaue
Rugby Career Highlights
Viliami Ofahengaue, widely known as Willie O, was the first Tongan-born player to represent the Wallabies, earning 41 caps from 1990 to 1998. He played a crucial role in Australia’s 1991 Rugby World Cup victory, particularly in the final against England, where he contributed to the key lineout drive leading to Tony Daly’s decisive try. A powerful and dynamic back-row forward, he scored 11 tries for Australia and became known for his relentless tackling and physical dominance on the field.
Before joining the Wallabies, he represented New Zealand Schools in 1988, but visa issues prevented him from returning, which ultimately led him to Australia. His club career saw him play for Manly RUFC, NSW Waratahs, Rugby Rovigo (Italy), and Kubota Spears (Japan). He also showcased his versatility by representing Australia’s Sevens team in the 1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Edinburgh. Ending his international career in 1998, he passed the No.8 jersey to another Tongan great, Toutai Kefu.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
As the first Tongan-born Wallaby, Ofahengaue paved the way for future Pasifika players in Australian rugby, proving that Polynesian talent could excel at the highest level. His success inspired countless young Pasifika athletes, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, showing that professional rugby was an achievable dream. His aggressive style and powerful presence redefined the expectations of back-row players, leading to a greater appreciation of Pacific Island forwards in international rugby.
Beyond his playing career, he played a vital role in mentoring and supporting Pacific rugby players, particularly through his coaching and leadership. He contributed to Tonga’s Pacific Rim campaign in 2001, bringing his wealth of professional experience back to his home country. Later, in 2004, he took on the role of head coach for the Tongan national team (‘IkaleTahi), working to elevate Tonga’s standing in the international rugby scene.
Legacy and Influence
Ofahengaue remains a trailblazer for Tongan and Pasifika players in professional rugby, demonstrating that Pacific athletes could not only compete but thrive on the world stage. His legacy influenced future Wallabies, with players like Wycliff Palu citing him as a role model during their early careers. His impact extended beyond the rugby field—today, he serves as a minister for the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga in Melbourne, showcasing the same discipline and leadership he displayed in his playing days.
Monique Hirovanaa
Rugby Career Highlights
World Cup Winner – 1998 & 2002.
1st Pasifika Women to win the World Rugby Player of the Year award.
In the 2002 final, Monique played a pivotal role in securing victory for their team. Not only did they set up the winning try, scored a try herself, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership. Moniques’ contributions were crucial in clinching the title, making it a memorable highlight of their career.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
As a Cook Islander in Otara, she leads by example, letting her actions speak louder than words. Her induction into the Otara Sports Hall of Fame reflects her strong impact in a community where Cook Islanders are underrepresented. Through quiet leadership, she inspires resilience, pride, and empowerment in the Pasifika community, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Legacy and Influence
Monique Hirovanaa has left an indelible mark on the world of women’s rugby through her incredible talent and leadership. As a former New Zealand rugby player, she was instrumental in breaking barriers and setting new standards for women in the sport. Her dedication and passion inspired countless young women to pursue rugby, and her influence is evident in the growing popularity of women’s rugby globally. Monique’s legacy is not only in her achievements on the field but also in her role as a mentor and advocate for the next generation of female athletes.
Seremaia Baikeinuku
Rugby Career Highlights
Seremaia Bai finished his career playing for Leicester Tigers after joining them in 2014. He previously played for Castres Olympique and ASM Clermont Auvergne who both compete in France’s Top 14 competition. He also plays for the Fiji national team and the Pacific Islanders. He has played under-19s, under 21s and under 23s for the Fiji national side. Bai attended Lelean Memorial School in Nausori, Fiji.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
He was included in the combined Pacific Islanders team that toured the southern nations. He also played numerous international matches the following season. In 2006 he captained the Tailevu Knights for the 2006 Colonial Cup, and then signed with Clermont Auvergne in France. He played for Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup, and was then selected for the 2006 Pacific Islanders squad for the tour of Europe. He went on to play a substantial part of Fiji’s quarter-final reaching team at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In 2008 he was selected to play for the Pacific Islanders in what would be their final tour. In 2009 he was announced as the Fiji captain for their European tour. In 2010 he signed to play for Castres Olympique on a two-year contract. He also competed at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Legacy and Influence
Seremaia announced his retirement from professional Rugby effective at the end of the 2015/2016 season, with the aim to focus on his BAI (Be An Inspiration) programme, encouraging youngsters into Rugby in his native Fiji. Bai has been very influencing in coaching the Fiji Womens and the Mens National team to date. He is currently the attack coach for the Flying Fiji and he runs the BAI (Be An Inspiration) programme in Fiji education for rugby players on and off the field.
Malakai Alatini
Rugby Career Highlights
Malakai Alatini is a celebrated rugby player known for his impressive career on the field. He began his journey with the Hihifo Rugby Club during the 1968/69 season before serving for Tonga Police, in 1970 to 1978. At just 19 years old, Alatini made his mark on the international stage as a representative for Tonga Rugby (Ikale Tahi) from 1969 to 1975, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
When Malakai immigrated to NZ, he retired from all rugby as he devoted his time to his religion and setting up a life for his family. He was asked to coach a Senior B team at the local rugby club East Tamaki where the team was predominately Tongan players from his church. The crowds that attended the matches was 3 x the crowd that attended the Premier team’s game. The following year where he spoke next to nothing of the English language, he took on the Head coaching role of the East Tamaki Rugby team.
In 92 he formed a Tongan secondary school team from students in Auckland to face the World School champions at the time Toloa College. The game drew in a huge crowd at the East Tamaki Rugby Club. In 93, he was part of the inaugural Siutaka coaching and management group that took an u21s and senior team to Tonga. Many players have gone on from Siutaka to represent Tonga and NZ.
Legacy and Influence
Malakai’s legagcy will be tied to the 73 team and played during the most successful period of Tonga rugby. He is renowned in the Auckland rugby community for his tough and gruelling training sessions. The Malakai Alatini Trust is named after him because of his influence not only to his kids but the Pacific Island community. The trust was started by his sons Pita and Tony to help develop and foster the careers of a new generation of players using sport and culture as the foundation for a pathway to success on-and-off the field.
His sons Tevita, Pasimeniti and Tony represented Tonga Rugby Ikale Tahi and Pita represented NZ All Blacks.
Savae Sir Michael Jones
Rugby Career Highlights
Sir Michael Jones earned a reputation as one of the most gifted flankers to ever take the field. He earned his nickname because of his outstanding performances and his exceptional ability to perform under pressure. With extraordinary athleticism and physicality as a flanker, Jones made the Auckland Provincial team at 20 and debuted for the All Blacks in 1987. He played a crucial role in New Zealand’s victorious 1987 Rugby World Cup campaign and scored a try on debut. Jones remained a key figure in the team throughout the late 80s and mid-90s, helping New Zealand win the inaugural Tri-Nations title in 1996 before retiring at the end of the 1999 season.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
Sir Michael Jones was a pioneer for Pasifika Rugby, inspiring generations of Pasifika players both on and off the field. As a player of Samoan descent, Jones was a trailblazer for Pasifika representation in international rugby. His leadership extended beyond the game, as he actively advocated for the development of rugby in Samoa and coached Manu Samoa at two Rugby World Cups. Jones was elected to the New Zealand Rugby Board in 2018, bringing a Pasifika voice to the forefront of the sport.
Legacy and Influence
After retiring, Jones continued to support Pasifika rugby through coaching, mentoring, and advocacy roles. He was instrumental in establishing pathways for aspiring Pasifika athletes, ensuring they had opportunities to succeed at both professional and grassroots levels. Jones was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal for his service to the Pacific Island community and was later knighted for driving economic and social development for Pasifika people in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. Jones continues to support Pasifika people in various leadership roles, including the Village Community and Youth Trust, the Village Sports Academy, Pacific Advance Secondary School, Pasifika Futures, Moana Pasifika, and the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame.
Fesolai Va’aiga Tuigamala
Rugby Career Highlights
Va’aiga Tuigamala, known as “Inga the Winger”, was a Tongan, Samoan powerhouse who played both rugby union and rugby league professionally. Tuigamala represented the Ponsonby Rugby Club, before playing provincially for Auckland. He was selected into the New Zealand side from 1989 and made his debut against the United States in 1991. Tuigamala went on to play in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, before switching codes to rugby league where he went on to four club championships with the Wigan Warriors. He also represented the Toa Samoa side in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup and returned to rugby union in 1996. He went on to play for the London Wasps, Newcastle Falcons and represented Manu Samoa from 1996-2001.
Impact on Pasifika Rugby
Inga the Winger made a significant impact on Pacific rugby, inspiring a generation of players with his dynamic style and powerful presence on and off the field. As a trailblazer, Tuigalama transitioned from rugby union to rugby league, showcasing his versatility and skills in both codes and paving the way for other Pacific Island players to follow. His success and charisma helped elevate the profile of Pacific Rugby on the global stage, encouraging young Pacific athletes to pursue their dreams in professional sports.
Legacy and Influence
Va’aiga Tuigamala is a legendary figure in the world of rugby and has left an incredible mark on both the sport and the Pacific community. Known for his unwavering Christian faith, Tuigalama inspired countless young Samoan and Pacific athletes to embrace their faith, heritage and represent their countries with pride. His successful career spanned both rugby union and league, where his skill and dedication set a benchmark for excellence. Beyond the field, Tuigamala’s influence extended into the Pacific community where he championed values of faith and cultural pride as a mentor and leader leaving a lasting legacy that continues to motivate future Pacific player.