Eight questions with the captain: Filisione Koloamatangi Tawa

Above: The Tawa team on Evans Bay Park after their recent Jubilee Cup round-robin win over Marist St. Pat’s..

Club: Tawa

Home ground: Lyndhurst Park

Current Super Rugby players: Shaun Treeby (Highlanders), James Marshall (Hurricanes)

Last year: Sixth

Swindale Shield this year: Champions

Captain: Filisione Koloamatangi

Position: Lock

1. What is special about playing in the Jubilee Cup?

Having the opportunity to play high quality rugby against the top players in this region.The level of rugby usually goes up a few notches during the Jubilee so it’s a good test and the only way to progress as a rugby player – by playing against the best.

2. Which club do you feel your team has the biggest rivalry with and why?

[Neighbours] Norths - the battle of the bridge.

Ories - they are a top quality side with a forward pack that we love to challenge.


3. If you could choose one forward and one back, either current or past, to join your team for its Jubilee Cup campaign which two players would you select?

Forward - Stephen MIA Sasagi [Tawa loose forward]

Back - Willie Hitman Lafaele [Long-serving Tawa first five-eighth/midfield back]


4. Who are the fittest, the strongest and the fastest players in your team?

The Koroi brothers, Taniela and Joketani are the pinnacle of “Extras”

Front Row Factory.

All Rounder - Timoci AKA Sunscreen

5. Who are the jokers in the team?

The Tongan Top Twins - Tolu and Lotu. Every time there is a debate or an argument the twins are at the centre of it! Jokes and come backs from Nam! ?

6. Does anyone in your team have superstitions or pre-game rituals before they take the field?

As a team we blast music (same playlist every week), eat lollies and bananas.

Prayer before and after the match.

Other rituals I cannot say on here!


7. Describe any special talents or claims to fame outside of rugby of a player or players in our team/club?

Our hooker Tu’ipulotu Nuku is a Tongan Ninja.

Our loose forward Sam Blair is a body builder who competed in the regional qualifiers earlier this year.

Our prop Tolu Fahamokioa is the biggest and most mobile human robot.

Our winger Jeff Makapelu is a national motivational speaker.

Cousins Mike Teofilo and Milo will be attending the national breakdance competition at the end of August – Fa’amalosi boys.

8. How important are your club’s supporters in lifting your team and who is your number one fan?

We’ve been getting bigger crowds at Lyndhurst Park this year which is pleasing for all our players. It gives the boys an extra boost and we are always appreciative of it, and we talk and hang with our supporters after our games. There are a few loyal supporters there cheering us on in their Tawa colours week in and week out whether rain or shine, my flatmates included.We have the best supporters - Even the ones who will come out of the woodwork this weekend and hopefully next.

We understand that our team consists of thousands of members – players, support staff, family, supporters, sponsors and our community. It’s about belonging.