“Our inductees are not only outstanding athletes, they are leaders, cultural ambassadors and role models whose impact reaches far beyond the field” – Savae Sir Michael Jones
Former All Blacks Maiavatele Keven Mealamu and the late Jerry Collins are among seven Pasifika rugby greats to be inducted into the 2026 Pasifika rugby Hall of Fame at a dinner in Auckland next week.
Organised by the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame (PRHOF), the seven inductees are:
• Lilomaiava Aiolupotea Taufusi Salesa
• Fe’ao Vunipola
• Pio-Bosco Tikoisuva
• Luamanuvao Muliagatele Niuafolau Alaisalatemaota Bakulich-Leavasa
• Maiavatele Keven Mealamu
• Niumata DJ Forbes
• Jerry Collins (Posthumous)
Collectively, the Class of 2026 represents multiple Rugby World Cup campaigns, international test caps, Olympic representation, and professional careers spanning New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the Pacific Islands.
Established to honour the legacy of Pasifika athletes across generations, the PRHOF serves as a permanent institution celebrating excellence, leadership and cultural impact in rugby union and rugby sevens worldwide.
Representing Pacific nations and the global Pasifika diaspora, PRHOF recognises those whose influence has shaped the modern era of the sport at the highest levels. Their influence extends beyond performance, into community leadership, cultural pride, and generational inspiration.
“The Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame was created to honour and celebrate the legacy of Pacific excellence in rugby,” said Chairperson Savae Sir Michael Jones.
“Our inductees are not only outstanding athletes, they are leaders, cultural ambassadors and role models whose impact reaches far beyond the field. This institution ensures the inductees’ legacies and their collective accomplishments are preserved to inspire future generations.”
In addition to the Induction Class, PRHOF recognises contemporary excellence through its annual honours programme and this year’s selections are:
Jonah Lomu Male Player of the Year Award
• Ben Tameifuna
Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili Female Player of the Year Award
• Siokapesi Palu
Monique Hirovanaa Female Breakthrough Player of the Year Award
• Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Waisale Serevi Male Breakthrough Player of the Year Award
• Leanavata’ua Toto’ali’i Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i
These awards acknowledge current high-performance athletes who continue to advance the global standard and visibility of Pasifika rugby.
Now in its third year, the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame continues to strengthen its governance, selection integrity and international profile. Inductees are reviewed and confirmed by an independent Selection Committee comprising respected
former internationals and rugby leaders, ensuring credibility and transparency in the honours process.
The formal 2026 Induction Ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 March 2026 at Eden Park, where inductees will be officially enshrined into the Hall of Fame.
