Paying tribute to two Pacific Rugby Greats
All Black and Manu Samoa Legend Va'aiga Tuigamala
Sport lovers, officials and fans have mourned the passing of rugby legend Va'aiga Lealuga Tuigamala MNZM, on 24 February.
Tuigamala aged 52, was also affectionately known as ‘Inga the Winger’ because of his energy and dynamism on the wing. He was pure magic on the field, especially when playing with his teammate and friend, Michael Jones. Inga was not only considered to be one of the most exciting players of the game, but also one of the nicest off the field. Inga was one of those rare individuals that was skilled in two codes: rugby league and rugby union – playing in World Cups for both sports.
Born in Faleasiu, Samoa, the sports legend is credited with an international rugby career that spanned 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1991 and 1993. He played 23 tests for Manu Samoa from 1996. He also played overseas for the Wigan Warriors. The club’s executive director, Kris Radlinski said
“Every now and then a player comes along who touches the heart and soul of every single fan, player, coach and administrator – Inga was one of them. He was one of the most exciting rugby players to play either code. His presence on the rugby field was huge.”
In the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours, Tuigamala was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby and the community.
After his rugby career, Inga explored a range of different business ventures from being an acting advisor for his cousin, David Tua, to running a funeral director company, for which the most notable client to date was the late King of Tonga, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.
He was a man of faith who was passionately involved in the Auckland Samoan community. In 2009 he joined Tua in Samoa after the tsunami to help with recovery efforts.
“I was so privileged to play with him. Whether it was the black jersey, blue and white stripes of Auckland, his beloved Manu Samoa, Wigan team or Newcastle, he was a real professional before his time and really did set the benchmark for another generation of aspiring young, not just Pacific Island and Samoan kids, but Kiwis and British young people.
“His legacy it’s so huge and significant, he’s influenced so many people in his life, including myself. I have never met anyone like Inga, he’s the most unique individual with a beautiful spirit. He was blessed with a gift of a cheeky sense of humour, something that helped him develop resiliency. His taonga or treasure was that he always put others first and lifted them up. He lived that throughout his life every day. ”
Tributes continue to pour in for Tuigamala, who had been diagnosed last year with Type 2 diabetes.
Joeli Vidiri - Son of Fiji and Legendary Rugby Great
Known for his evasive side-step Joeli Vidiri was one of the most exciting players on the wing in the late 1990’s.
Born in Nausori, Fiji Joeli Vidiri Natabua Nadriubalavu Nalewavada represented Fiji in both the sevens and 15s before he headed to New Zealand in 1994 to play for the Auckland Blues in the Super 12, and Counties Manukau in the NPC.
At the time New Zealand rugby was moving into the professional realm. Vidiri or “Big Joe” as he was affectionately nicknamed, was one of the key players for the Blues at the time. He featured in the pivotal first Super 12 professional game in March 1996 alongside other iconic players in his team: Johah Lomu, Eroni Clarke, Carlos Spencer, Junior Tonu’u, Craig Down, Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael Jones and Zinzan Brooke. The Blues won 45-21.
“To win that game, what an experience. We were the first Super 12 Rugby competition winners of the professional rugby era in the southern hemisphere.”
He broke records for the scoring 43 over 61 games for the Auckland Blues. He held the record for most tries scored in one game, a record broken after 21 years by Sean Wainui.
Many Blues fans remember the song that fans would chant as he played at Eden Park – Give me hope Joeli.
He went on to represent New Zealand in the NZ Sevens where he won a Commonwealth Games Gold medal in Kuala Lumpur, before he went on to become and All Black.
“Joeli was one of the princes of wingers in world rugby. He is rugby royalty as he graced our fields with one of the most impressive styles of wing play, Fijian magic and mastery speed power agility, but with a hard-nosed New Zealand mentality and approach. He was a maestro, a machine!
“What I remember most and appreciate about Joeli was that he never changed. He stayed the same, humble, quiet, unassuming, the same boy from Nausori Highlands and Queen Victoria school who played for the Nawaka rugby club with that broad delightful Fijian smile always across his face. Joeli loved his family and friends. He loved people and he loved God”
as he graced our fields with one of the most impressive styles of wing play, Fijian magic and mastery speed power agility, but with a hard-nosed New Zealand mentality and approach. He was a maestro, a machine!
“What I remember most and appreciate about Joeli was that he never changed. He stayed the same, humble, quiet, unassuming, the same boy from Nausori Highlands and Queen Victoria school who played for the Nawaka rugby club with that broad delightful Fijian smile always across his face. Joeli loved his family and friends. He loved people and he loved God.”
Moana Pasifika Trust Chair Savae Sir Michael Jones
Vidiri’s All Black career was cut short by kidney illness and he spent many years waiting for a kidney transplant.
He died at the age of 48 from Covid complications. In the United States at the time, he passed away in the arms of his wife.