Former NZ 7s player Tuatagaloa overwhelmed to be back home in Samoa

Former New Zealand 7s player, Belgium Tuatagaloa is proud to return to Samoa and play for his country.

The 29-year-old was part of the Manu Samoa team in the recent Pacific Nations Cup and scored the winning try against Tonga in Apia Park.

Speaking to TVNZ One News, Tuatagaloa said he is overwhelmed to be back home.

“This is where I grew up, probably the best village in Samoa. This is the beautiful village of Samatau. This is where I did my primary school and intermediate.

Donning the blue jersey for his country was always his dream ever since he was little boy growing up in Samoa.

 “I always used to follow the old boys playing touch rugby and I used to be the only little kid running around with them.”

However, he also had another dream he wanted to fulfill. And that was building his mother a house in the village.

“Yeah, Yeah it is. I just build mum a house. And that was my only dream to get a contract Overseas, just to build mum a house.”

Tuatagaloa is one of the top Samoan players to leave their families behind for Overseas contracts in order to support their livelihoods.

 “I used to wake up every morning to collect coconut, five coconuts you get, two tala. We were happy family. And I think that’s all that matters to me, to be honest.”

Also speaking to TVNZ One News, Manu Samoa Head Coach, Steve Jackson said most of the Samoan players have pride that cannot be coached when it comes to representing their countries.

“They don’t come here to play for money, they come here to play for the jersey. We have a group of guys, 31 players that would do anything for that Jersey. And as a coach, I can’t coach that, I can’t coach that hunger.’’

Meanwhile, the Manu Samoa will be naming their 2019 Rugby World Cup squad later this week.

 

Photo supplied