“We dont get here on our own, we’ve got a lot of families and village behind us” – Nigel Ah Wong, Auckland Rugby
When celebrating success – especially in the Pasifika community – we often hear the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ as an ode to the community behind an individual’s achievements.
As a mark of appreciation for those behind the scenes who have helped shape the success of their players, Auckland Rugby have decided to follow that mantra by dedicating a jersey presentation to the people in the background who play a big role in their lives.
It’s an initiative that that provincial club had taken to help connect the players through their different backgrounds and cultures.
“It’s really about a connection piece for us. People go off to Super Rugby and play different franchises and then we bring them back to Auckland, and it’s then, how do we bring them back together? How do we connect,” says head of operations Grant Wilson.
Twenty players took part in the reverse jersey presentation, gifting their jersey to a family member or loved one who has played a special role throughout their career.
Taking part in the presentation was loose forward Niko Jones, who chose to present his jersey to his mother. The Jones surname is no stranger to New Zealand and Auckland rugby folklore, with the presence of his father and All Blacks legend Sir La’auli Michael Jones.
“Yeah my dad, I’ll always honour him and he’s played such an important role in my life, and in my rugby but I think, often my mum’s, not forgotten but she’s alway in the background,” Niko says.
“And I know my dad would say the same, his strength comes from her and behind him and all his success is her, and I am no different. So it was an honour to highlight her and for her to be in the spotlight I guess.”
For Manu Samoa international and winger Nigel Ah Wong, taking part in the presentation is a first for him in his rugby career.
“Usually we’re on the receiving end of getting jerseys, but to be able to acknowledge the people who play a big role in our lives especially off the field, it was really important and special and it’s my first time being part of something like that,” he says.
Ah Wong presented his jersey to his fiance Brooke, honouring her for the continuous support she has shown him throughout the past years.
“Yeah it was nice to hear how he really feels about me. And to hear those words you don’t get to hear every single day,” Brooke laughed.
“I just do my best and support, and just do what I do.”
While honouring family and loved ones, the event was also an opportunity to remember those who have passed.
Such was the case for Lolagi Visinia who honoured his late brother James who sadly passed away last year.
Lolagi presented his jersey to his brother’s wife Lata Visinia, in what was an emotional moment for the family.
“He’s always been there for me,” Lolagi says, reflecting on brother.
“Most of our home games he comes. If he’s busy with work, I’ll always be updating and he’ll be asking how the game went. So really grateful to have him in my life and to have Lata represent him here is even more special.”
For Lata Visinia, being able to represent James and accept the jersey was a surprise but also an honour.
“It was really special, I didn’t expect it. I obviously didn’t know what was going on. I thought Lagi was going to be presented with the shirt because I have never been to anything like this. Obviously James would’ve been the one here right now,” she says..
“We’re so blessed to just be here and honour James and also Lagi and we’re just thankful for Auckland Rugby again for running this initiative because again, it’s so special to honour these people in our lives that obviously drive their career and their will to keep going.”
