(Picture caption: Some of New Zealand’s greatest Pacific rugby players have been inducted into the Pasifika Hall of Fame. PHOTO CREDIT: Pasifikarugby.org)
Pacific contribution to New Zealand rugby has been recognised during the Pasifika Hall of Fame 2024 Excellence Week, at the iconic Eden Park.
Rugby greats Sir Bryan Williams, Jonah Lomu, Seiuli Fiao'o Fa'amausili, Peter Fatialofa, Brian Lima, Waisale Serevi and George Smith have been announced as the first Pasifika Hall of Fame players, at an inaugural dinner attended by Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti and other dignitaries.
Established in 2023, the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame is an initiative to honour and celebrate the achievements of Pacific rugby legends, coaches, and contributors.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples has championed the inaugural event, by sponsoring a range of activities, including the Inductees to the Pasifika Hall of Fame dinner event, the Eden Park Oval PMN Pacific Fest and Business Breakfast.
Speaking at the dinner, Minister Reti honoured the legacy of the rugby icons, their contribution to sport, and ability to inspire future generations.
“Many of our players owe a great deal of their success to the support of their Pacific families,” Minister Reti adds.
He acknowledged the wider Pacific community and the players’ coaches and administrators, whose unwavering encouragement has been instrumental in their achievements and helped shape the legacy they leave in rugby.
The Minister also acknowledged Pacific rugby icon and former Black Ferns captain and Hall of Fame inductee Seiuli Fiao'o Fa'amausili, for promoting and raising awareness of the role of women in rugby.
For more information about the initiative, visit the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame website.