It might be one of New Zealand’s greatest rugby grounds, but to Savae Laauli Michael Jones, Eden park will always be known to him as, home.
His heroic efforts in the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987, with an amazing opening try against Italy, is now immortalised with a bronze statue at the stadium’s North entrance. It’s just one of the many memories he holds dear, when looking back.
“I couldn’t think of a better place for me personally, the garden of Eden is where my dreams came true.” Savae says.
“I lived my dreams whether it was playing for Auckland, the Blues; I even played for my club Waitemata out here but you know, of course, the All Blacks.”
It was only fitting that Savae would return back to Eden Park to add another milestone in his glittering career, being inducted into this year’s Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame.
“Pasifika has given so much to this stadium, we’ve given our blood, sweat and tears for whatever jersey we’re wearing. And so I think it’s really appropriate and it’s the perfect setting for a night like tonight.”
Including Savae, a total of seven Pasfika rugby trailblazers were inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame.
They were, former Black Ferns halfback Monique Hirovanaa; Fiji international Seremaia Bai; former All Blacks Captain and current Moana Pasifika coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga; Tongan international Malakai Alatini; former Wallabies International Viliami Ofahengaue and the late All Black winger Fesola’i Va’aiga Tuigamala.
With a stellar career including two rugby world cups for the Black Ferns, Monique Hirovanaa has been an ambassador not just for Pasifika rugby but also for aspiring female players. She was the first ever player of Pacific heritage to win the Women’s World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2002.
“It’s a blessing to be here and I am honoured to be here. To be recognised as the first IRB player for Pasifika. Goes to show that Women’s rugby has come a long way to be recognised in everything we do,” she says
“Just as you know there are a lot of young ladies that can do the same thing, I’m sure there are more Pasifika women. I’d like to see more Cook Islanders out there participating and being recognised for outstanding efforts in the game.”
Two current Pasifika women’s rugby stars were also acknowledged with special awards on the night, they were Manusina captain Masuisuimatamaalii Pauaraisa and Blues midfielder Logo-I-Pulotu lemapu a Taii Sylvia Brunt.
Both Brunt and Pauaraisa are looking forward to representing Samoa and New Zealand, respectively, at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August.
“It’s actually overwhelming being here. And just representing Samoa, you know I’m a proud tama’itai Samoa I carry myself as a proud one. I just want to thank everyone for hosting this. It’s cool seeing our people around tonight,” Pauaraisa says.
“It was not only the efforts of myself but also my family, friends and community, my school and my clubs. There were some times I was wondering why I was doing what I was doing, but everything worked out and I am truly grateful,” Brunt added.
Having younger stars mix and mingle with legends of the past is a big part of the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame and for inductees Faalogo Tana Umaga and Seremaia bai, transitioning into coaching is where they hope to pour back their wealth of knowledge and experience.
“That’s what we should be doing, passing on our own experiences,” Fa’alogo says.
“We don’t want them to make the same mistakes we did but we also want them to enjoy and understand that if you worked hard enough and you set the goals, anything is achievable.”
Seremaia echoed Faalogo’s thoughts, “You want to teach them that you do the do’s and the dont’s if you do this a little bit better you can achieve this, you know, trying to win the World Cup or whatever.”
“And that is the beauty of this, is that all the experience that we went through we want to teach them to achieve better and live a better life.”
The late Fesola’i Va’aiga Tuigamala, was represented by his family at the awards. His legacy is remembered by his peers and those who supported him both on and off the field.
A close friend of Tuigamala, Savae says it was a special moment being recognised alongside his brother and teammate.
“I just wish he was standing here with me. I suppose that is the only thing that pains me. is he is not here. I would like to give him a hug and hold him and say. fa’amalo lava uso.”
Fesola’i’s wife Daphne Tuigamala said that it was an honour to represent her late husband and his contribution to the sport and the pasifika community.
“It’s bitter sweet as he is not here but just truly humbled and an honour to be here and celebrated among these talented Pasifika people.”
PRHOF CLASS OF 2025
- La’auli Savae Michael Jones
- Monique Hirovanaa
- Seremaia Bai
- Faalogo Tana Umaga
- Malakai Alatini
- Viliami Ofahengaue
- Fesola’i Va’aiga Tuigamala
SPECIAL AWARDS
- Male/Female Player of the Year: Masuisuimatama’alii Pauaraisa & Tevita Ikanivere
- Female/Male Breakthrough Player of the Year: Logo i Pulotu Le mapu a Taii Sylvia Brunt & Wallace Sititi
