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{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Lifeimi Mafi
| name = Lifeimi Mafi
| image = Lifemi Mafi Munster back.jpg
| image = Lifemi Mafi Munster back.jpg
| caption =
| image_size =
| caption = image of Lifeimi Mafi on pitch after a match, was a rugby player.
| birth_name =
| fullname = Lifeimi Olotolangi Mafi
⚫
| birth_place = [[Nukualofa]], [[Tonga]]
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|08|15|df=y}}
| death_date =
⚫
| birth_place = [[Nukuʻalofa]], Tonga
| death_place =
| height = {{height|m=1.83}}
| height = {{convert|183|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|90|kg|st lbs|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|90|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school = [[Palmerston North Boys' High School]]
⚫
| ru_position = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]]
| ru_amateuryears =
| university =
⚫
| relatives =
| ru_amateurclubs = [[Kia Toa]]
| ru_amupdate =
| occupation =
| ru_nationalteam =
| spouse =
⚫
| position = [[Centre (rugby union)|Centre]], [[Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
| ru_nationalyears =
| ru_nationalcaps =
| currentclub =
| allblackno =
| ru_nationalpoints =
| ru_ntupdate =
| allblackid =
| youthyears1 =
| ru_clubyears = 2006–12<br>2012–present
| youthclubs1 =
⚫
| ru_proclubs = [[Munster Rugby|Munster]]<br>[[USA Perpignan|Perpignan]]
| years1 = 2002–2018
| ru_clubcaps = 144<br>114
⚫
| clubs1 = [[Manawatu Rugby Union|Manawatu]]
| ru_clubpoints = (65)<br>(75)
| apps1 = 25
| ru_clubupdate = 16 Oct 2016
| points1 = 35
| ru_currentclub =
| years2 = 2004–2006
| super14 = [[Wellington Hurricanes|Hurricanes]]
| clubs2 = [[Taranaki Rugby Football Union|Taranaki]]
| super14years = 2006
| super14caps = 0
| apps2 = 25
| super14points = (0)
| points2 = 25
| years3 = 2006–2012
| ru_currentteam = [[Wellington Hurricanes|Hurricanes]]
| clubs3 = [[Munster Rugby|Munster]]
| super14update =
| apps3 = 141
⚫
| ru_province = [[Manawatu Rugby Union|Manawatu]]<br>[[Taranaki Rugby Union|Taranaki]]
| points3 = 70
| ru_provinceyears = 2002–03<br>2004–06
| years4 = 2012–2018
| ru_provincecaps = 7<br>24
⚫
| clubs4 = [[USA Perpignan|Perpignan]]
| ru_provincepoints = (?)<br>(20)
| apps4 = 151
| ru_provinceupdate = 19 May 2013
| points4 = 90
| ru_sevensnationalyears = [[2005–06 World Sevens Series|2005–06]]
| repyears1 = 2002–2003
| ru_sevensnationalteam = [[New Zealand Sevens|New Zealand]]
| repteam1 = [[New Zealand national under-21 rugby union team|New Zealand U21]]
| ru_sevensnationalcomp =
| repcaps1 = 9
| ru_coachclubs =
| reppoints1 = 10
| ru_coachyears =
| clubupdate = 12 May 2020
| ru_coachupdate =
| repupdate = 12 May 2020
| occupation =
| ru_sevensnationalyears1 = 2003–2005
| spouse = Sera Mafi
| ru_sevensnationalteam1 = [[New Zealand national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]]
| children = Cassidy Mafi ''([[daughter]])''
| ru_sevensnationalcomp1 = 8
⚫
| relatives =
| ru_sevensupdate = 12 May 2020
| school =
| university =
⚫
| birth_date={{birth date and age|df=yes|1982|8|15}}
}}
}}


'''Lifeimi Mafi''' (born 15 August 1982) is a Tongan-born [[rugby union]] player who has played for the New Zealand national sevens rugby team. Mafi currently plays for the French side [[USA Perpignan]] in the [[Rugby Pro D2]].
'''Lifeimi Mafi''' (born 15 August 1982) is a Tongan-born, New Zealand former [[rugby union]] player.


==Career in New Zealand==
==Career in New Zealand==
Mafi was born in [[Nukualofa]], [[Tonga]]. Initially, Mafi played his club rugby with [[Kia Toa]] Rugby Football Club (Kia Toa is a Maori term which translates to "be brave"), based in the suburb of Awapuni, Palmerstown North. It is one of the oldest clubs in Manawatu, and produced former Munster fullback [[Christian Cullen]], [[Bristol Shoguns]] No. 8 [[Dan Ward-Smith]], and former [[Black Ferns]] captain Farah Palmer. He represented [[Manawatu]] in 2003, before moving to [[Taranaki Region|Taranaki]] in 2004 in time to play the [[British and Irish Lions]] in 2005. He made 25 appearances for Taranaki, and was named their "Back of the Season" in 2006. Mafi was also called into the [[Hurricanes (Super Rugby)|Hurricanes]] squad in 2006 as replacement for an injured [[Conrad Smith]], although he never took the field in a [[Super Rugby]] match.
Born in [[Nukuʻalofa]], [[Tonga]], Mafi initially played his club rugby with [[Kia Toa RFC|Kia Toa]] (Kia Toa is a Māori term which translates to "be brave"), based in the suburb of [[Awapuni, Palmerston North]]. It is one of the oldest clubs in Manawatu, and produced former Munster [[Fullback (rugby union)|fullback]] [[Christian Cullen]], [[Bristol Bears|Bristol]] [[Number 8 (rugby union)|number 8]] [[Dan Ward-Smith]], and former [[New Zealand women's national rugby union team|Black Ferns]] captain [[Farah Palmer]]. He represented [[Manawatu Rugby Union|Manawatu]] in 2003, before moving to [[Taranaki Rugby Union|Taranaki]] in 2004 in time to play the [[British and Irish Lions]] in 2005. He made 25 appearances for Taranaki, and was named their "Back of the Season" in 2006. Mafi was also called into the [[Hurricanes (Super Rugby)|Hurricanes]] squad in 2006 as replacement for the injured [[Conrad Smith]], although he never took the field in a [[Super Rugby]] match.


Mafi represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level. He played alongside players of the calibre of [[Ben Atiga]], [[Jimmy Cowan]], [[John Afoa]], [[Stephen Donald]] and [[Sam Tuitupou]] in the 2003 U21 RWC against Australia. Mafi was also part of the 2005 New Zealand Sevens squad which won the World Series, and played alongside Maori captain [[Liam Messam]], and [[All Blacks]] [[Joe Rokocoko]], [[Isaia Toeava]] and [[Rudi Wulf]].
Mafi represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level. He played alongside players of the calibre of [[Ben Atiga]], [[Jimmy Cowan]], [[John Afoa]], [[Stephen Donald]] and [[Sam Tuitupou]] in the 2003 U21 RWC against Australia. Mafi was also part of the 2005 New Zealand Sevens squad which won the World Series, and played alongside Maori captain [[Liam Messam]], and [[All Blacks]] [[Joe Rokocoko]], [[Isaia Toeava]] and [[Rudi Wulf]].


==Munster==
==Munster==
Mafi's first appearance in a Munster jersey came during the close, hard fought win against [[Leicester Tigers]] at [[Welford Road Stadium|Welford Road]] in Round 1 of the [[2006–07 Heineken Cup]]. Mafi was only on the pitch for a few minutes, but during that time he found himself at the wrong end of a trademark hit from Fijian centre [[Seru Rabeni]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/275.php|title=Munster make perfect start to Heineken Cup defence|date=22 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011}}</ref> However, Mafi's home debut in [[Thomond Park]], in the trouncing of French outfit Bourgoin, was more impressive. Sprung from the bench with 10 minutes to go, a scintillating break and hand-off resulted in a try for substitute hooker [[Andy Kyriacou]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/272.php|title=Five try Munster on song|date=28 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011}}</ref>
Mafi's first appearance in a Munster jersey came during the close, hard fought win against [[Leicester Tigers]] at [[Welford Road Stadium|Welford Road]] in Round 1 of the [[2006–07 Heineken Cup]]. Mafi was only on the pitch for a few minutes, but during that time he found himself on the wrong end of a trademark hit from Fijian centre [[Seru Rabeni]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/275.php|title=Munster make perfect start to Heineken Cup defence|date=22 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005160934/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/275.php|archivedate=5 October 2010}}</ref> However, Mafi's home debut in [[Thomond Park]], in the trouncing of French outfit Bourgoin, was more impressive. Sprung from the bench with 10 minutes to go, a scintillating break and hand-off resulted in a try for substitute hooker [[Andi Kyriacou]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/272.php|title=Five try Munster on song|date=28 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005191512/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/272.php|archivedate=5 October 2010}}</ref>


Mafi first got on the scoresheet himself in the narrow away defeat to the [[Newport Gwent Dragons|Dragons]], a game in which he scored two tries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/310.php|title=Munster's Dismal Welsh Form Continues|date=5 January 2007|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011}}</ref> He also finished a crucial score in the HEC Round 5 game away to [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]], and ran 50 metres to score his final try of the season at [[Musgrave Park, Cork|Musgrave Park]] in the end of season game against [[Glasgow Warriors|Glasgow]]. In all, Mafi scored 4 tries in 16 starts in his first season, but was criticised for his defensive decisions, often rushing out of the defensive line and leaving a space for opponents to exploit.
Mafi first got on the scoresheet himself in the narrow away defeat to the [[Dragons (rugby union)|Dragons]], a game in which he scored two tries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/310.php|title=Munster's Dismal Welsh Form Continues|date=5 January 2007|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616111244/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/310.php|archive-date=16 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also finished a crucial score in the Heineken Cup round 5 game away to [[CS Bourgoin-Jallieu|Bourgoin]], and ran 50 metres to score his final try of the season at [[Musgrave Park, Cork|Musgrave Park]] in the end of season game against [[Glasgow Warriors]]. In all, Mafi scored 4 tries in 16 starts in his first season, but was criticised for his defensive decisions, often rushing out of the defensive line and leaving a space for opponents to exploit.


His second season in Munster was drastically more successful, even though he only managed 2 tries throughout. The presence of Maori [[Rua Tipoki]] had a calming effect on Mafi's defensive play, and the Munster centre partnership of Mafi-Tipoki was not exposed as much as the previous season's combination of [[Barry Murphy (rugby player)|Barry Murphy]] and Mafi, or [[Trevor Halstead]] and Mafi. Despite only scoring 3 tries between them in the victorious 2007/2008 Heineken Cup campaign, their understanding of each other's play was crucial to Munster's success. Their attacking play was epitomised by Tipoki's score against [[London Wasps|Wasps]] in Round 1 of the Heineken Cup at the [[Ricoh Arena]], which was created by Mafi. Mafi himself scored a vital try away to [[ASM Clermont Auvergne]], which secured a crucial losing bonus point which safe guarded Munster's passage to the quarter finals. Mafi and Tipoki formed Munster's vital centre partnership as they went on to capture their second Heineken Cup crown in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/284.php|title=Munster Champions of Europe|date=24 May 2008|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011}}</ref> Mafi was nominated for Munster Player of the Year for the 2007/08 season, and in stark contrast to his debut in Welford Road, [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] centre [[Yannick Jauzion]] and [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]] hooker [[Andy Titterell]] found themselves at the end of crunching tackles from the Kiwi Centre. However, Tipoki's departure at the end of the 2009/09 season led to a short lapse in Mafi's form for Munster.
His second season in Munster was drastically more successful, even though he only managed 2 tries throughout. The presence of Māori [[Rua Tipoki]] had a calming effect on Mafi's defensive play, and the Munster centre partnership of Mafi-Tipoki was not exposed as much as the previous season's combination of [[Barry Murphy (rugby player)|Barry Murphy]] and Mafi, or [[Trevor Halstead]] and Mafi. Despite only scoring 3 tries between them in the victorious [[2007–08 Heineken Cup]] campaign, their understanding of each other's play was crucial to Munster's success. Their attacking play was epitomised by Tipoki's score against [[Wasps RFC|Wasps]] in round 1 of the Heineken Cup at the [[Ricoh Arena]], which was created by Mafi. Mafi himself scored a vital try away to French side [[ASM Clermont Auvergne|Clermont]], which secured a crucial losing bonus point which safe guarded Munster's passage to the quarter-finals. Mafi and Tipoki formed Munster's vital centre partnership as they went on to capture their second Heineken Cup crown in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/284.php|title=Munster Champions of Europe|date=24 May 2008|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930044434/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/284.php|archivedate=30 September 2010}}</ref> Mafi was nominated for Munster Player of the Year for the 2007–08 season, and in stark contrast to his debut in Welford Road, [[Stade Toulousain|Toulouse]] centre [[Yannick Jauzion]] and [[Gloucester Rugby|Gloucester]] hooker [[Andy Titterell]] found themselves at the end of crunching tackles from the Kiwi Centre. However, Tipoki's departure at the end of the 2008–09 season led to a short lapse in Mafi's form for Munster.


The 2010-11 season saw a great deal of competition for places in the Munster team, with [[Sam Tuitupou]], [[Johne Murphy]] and [[Keith Earls]] all competing with Mafi for Centre places, and as a result Mafi spent some of the season either on the bench or dropped completely. However, the latter half of the season saw a resurgence in his form on the pitch, and Mafi nailed down the Inside Centre position for himself. He often cooperated with [[Johne Murphy]] or [[Keith Earls]], but, towards the end of the season, he played with [[Paul Warwick (rugby player)|Paul Warwick]] and [[Danny Barnes (rugby union)|Danny Barnes]]. The 2010/11 season also saw Mafi win his one hundredth cap for Munster,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |title=No Consolation From Munster's Point |date=19 December 2010 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222020709/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |archivedate=22 December 2010 |df= }}</ref> and he was an integral part of the team that triumphed over [[Ospreys Rugby|Ospreys]] and [[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]] as Munster secured the 2010-11 Magners League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |title=Munster Crowned Magners League Champions |date=28 May 2011 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720120951/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |archivedate=20 July 2011 |df= }}</ref>
The 2010–11 season saw a great deal of competition for places in the Munster team, with [[Sam Tuitupou]], [[Johne Murphy]] and [[Keith Earls]] all competing with Mafi for centre places, and as a result Mafi spent some of the season either on the bench or dropped entirely. However, the latter half of the season saw a resurgence in his form on the pitch, and Mafi nailed down the 12 jersey. He often cooperated with [[Johne Murphy]] or [[Keith Earls]], but, towards the end of the season, he played with [[Paul Warwick (rugby union)|Paul Warwick]] and [[Danny Barnes (rugby union)|Danny Barnes]]. The 2010–11 season also saw Mafi win his 100th cap for Munster,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |title=No Consolation From Munster's Point |date=19 December 2010 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222020709/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |archivedate=22 December 2010 }}</ref> and he was an integral part of the team that triumphed over [[Ospreys (rugby union)|Ospreys]] and [[Leinster Rugby|Leinster]] as Munster secured the 2010–11 Magners League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |title=Munster Crowned Magners League Champions |date=28 May 2011 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720120951/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |archivedate=20 July 2011 }}</ref>


Contrary to a persistent rumour, having played IRB 7s for New Zealand, Mafi will never be eligible to play for Ireland.<ref name="IRB">{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |title=IRB Eligibility Rules |accessdate=2008-05-28 |author=IRB |date=Jan 2000 |publisher=IRB |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518112940/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |archivedate=18 May 2011 |df= }}</ref> He is however, considered an honorary Munsterman and is known as Larry Murphy to the Thomond faithful. He formerly represented New Zealand 7's, U19's & U21's before joining the Irish province in October 2006. The New Zealand born centre is a holder of a Tongan passport, meaning he is not regarded as an "overseas" player in either the [[Magners League]] or [[Heineken Cup]], which allows him take the field alongside Munster's other "overseas" players such as New Zealand's top international try scorer [[Doug Howlett]].
Contrary to a persistent rumour, having played IRB 7s for New Zealand, Mafi was never eligible to play for Ireland.<ref name="IRB">{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |title=IRB Eligibility Rules |accessdate=2008-05-28 |author=IRB |date=Jan 2000 |publisher=IRB |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518112940/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |archivedate=18 May 2011 }}</ref> He is however, considered an honorary Munsterman and is known as Larry Murphy to the Thomond faithful. He formerly represented New Zealand 7s, U19s & U21s before joining the Irish province in October 2006. The centre is a holder of a Tongan passport, meaning he is not regarded as an "overseas" player in either the [[United Rugby Championship|Celtic League]] or [[European Rugby Champions Cup|Heineken Cup]], which allowed him to take to the field alongside Munster's other "overseas" players such as New Zealand's top international try scorer [[Doug Howlett]].


==Perpignan==
==Perpignan==
Mafi's move to French [[Top 14]] side [[USA Perpignan]] was announced by then Munster coach Tony McGahan in an interview on 22 March 2012. He joined Perpignan for the start of the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0322/1224313697535.html|title=O'Connell and Murray on target for return against Ulster|date=22 March 2012|work=irishtimes.com|accessdate=22 March 2012}}</ref> Mafi made his debut for Perpignan on 18 August 2012, in the first round of the [[2012–13 Top 14 season|2012–13 Top 14]] against Toulon.
Mafi's move to French [[Top 14]] side [[USA Perpignan|Perpignan]] was announced by then-Munster coach [[Tony McGahan]] in an interview on 22 March 2012. He joined Perpignan for the start of the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0322/1224313697535.html|title=O'Connell and Murray on target for return against Ulster|date=22 March 2012|work=The Irish Times|accessdate=22 March 2012}}</ref> Mafi made his debut for Perpignan on 18 August 2012, in the first round of the [[2012–13 Top 14 season|2012–13 Top 14]] against [[RC Toulonnais|Toulon]].

==Return to New Zealand==
Mafi and his family returned to New Zealand after he left Perpignan at the end of the [[2017–18 Top 14 season]], with Mafi rejoining [[Manawatu Rugby Union|Manawatu Turbos]] for the [[2018 Mitre 10 Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/105115789/lifeimi-mafi-set-for-longawaited-manawat-return|title=Lifeimi Mafi set for long-awaited Manawatū return|date=29 June 2018|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|accessdate=5 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/105725672/Lifeimi-Mafi-can-t-wait-to-take-place-in-Turbos-backline-after-long-absence|title=Lifeimi Mafi can't wait to take place in Turbos backline after long absence|date=25 July 2018|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|accessdate=5 October 2018}}</ref> He retired from rugby upon the conclusion of Manawatu's involvement in the competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mitre10cup.co.nz/News/34478/reinvigorated-manawatu-ready-for-2019|title=Reinvigorated Manawatu ready for 2019|date=30 July 2019|work=Mitre 10 Cup|accessdate=12 September 2019}}</ref>


==Honours==
==Honours==


===Munster===
===Munster===
*[[Heineken Cup]] Winner : [[2007–08 Heineken Cup|2007/2008]]
*[[European Rugby Champions Cup|Heineken Cup]] Winner : [[2007–08 Heineken Cup|2007–08]]
*[[Magners League]] Winner : [[2008–09 Magners League|2008/2009]] & [[2010–11 Magners League|2010/2011]]
*[[United Rugby Championship|Celtic League]] Winner : [[2008–09 Celtic League|2008–09]], [[2010–11 Celtic League|2010–11]]


==References==
==References==
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*[http://munsterrugby.ie/player?PlayGuid=LM829313 Munster Profile]
*[http://munsterrugby.ie/player?PlayGuid=LM829313 Munster Profile]
*[http://www.espnscrum.com/lionstour/rugby/player/27698.html ESPNscrum Profile]
*[http://www.espnscrum.com/lionstour/rugby/player/27698.html ESPNscrum Profile]

{{USA Perpignan squad}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mafi, Lifeimi}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mafi, Lifeimi}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Rugby union centres]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Nukuʻalofa]]
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[[Category:Rugby union players from Tongatapu]]
[[Category:Tongan rugby union players]]
[[Category:Tongan rugby union players]]
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[[Category:Tongan expatriate rugby union players in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Manawatu rugby union players]]
[[Category:Taranaki rugby union players]]
[[Category:Munster Rugby players]]
[[Category:Munster Rugby players]]
[[Category:People from Nukuʻalofa]]
[[Category:USA Perpignan players]]
[[Category:Tongan expatriate rugby union players]]
[[Category:Rugby union centres]]
[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in Ireland]]
[[Category:Australian expatriate rugby union players in France]]
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[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in France]]
[[Category:Tongan expatriates in Ireland]]
[[Category:Tongan expatriates in France]]
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[[Category:Expatriate rugby union players in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Tongan expatriates in New Zealand]]

Revision as of 03:35, 18 April 2024

Lifeimi Mafi
image of Lifeimi Mafi on pitch after a match, was a rugby player.
Full nameLifeimi Olotolangi Mafi
Date of birth (1982-08-15) 15 August 1982 (age 42)
Place of birthNukuʻalofa, Tonga
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight90 kg (198 lb; 14 st 2 lb)
SchoolPalmerston North Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre, Wing
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2002–2018 Manawatu 25 (35)
2004–2006 Taranaki 25 (25)
2006–2012 Munster 141 (70)
2012–2018 Perpignan 151 (90)
Correct as of 12 May 2020
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2002–2003 New Zealand U21 9 (10)
Correct as of 12 May 2020
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
2003–2005 New Zealand 8
Correct as of 12 May 2020

Lifeimi Mafi (born 15 August 1982) is a Tongan-born, New Zealand former rugby union player.

Career in New Zealand

Born in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, Mafi initially played his club rugby with Kia Toa (Kia Toa is a Māori term which translates to "be brave"), based in the suburb of Awapuni, Palmerston North. It is one of the oldest clubs in Manawatu, and produced former Munster fullback Christian Cullen, Bristol number 8 Dan Ward-Smith, and former Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer. He represented Manawatu in 2003, before moving to Taranaki in 2004 in time to play the British and Irish Lions in 2005. He made 25 appearances for Taranaki, and was named their "Back of the Season" in 2006. Mafi was also called into the Hurricanes squad in 2006 as replacement for the injured Conrad Smith, although he never took the field in a Super Rugby match.

Mafi represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level. He played alongside players of the calibre of Ben Atiga, Jimmy Cowan, John Afoa, Stephen Donald and Sam Tuitupou in the 2003 U21 RWC against Australia. Mafi was also part of the 2005 New Zealand Sevens squad which won the World Series, and played alongside Maori captain Liam Messam, and All Blacks Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava and Rudi Wulf.

Munster

Mafi's first appearance in a Munster jersey came during the close, hard fought win against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in Round 1 of the 2006–07 Heineken Cup. Mafi was only on the pitch for a few minutes, but during that time he found himself on the wrong end of a trademark hit from Fijian centre Seru Rabeni.[1] However, Mafi's home debut in Thomond Park, in the trouncing of French outfit Bourgoin, was more impressive. Sprung from the bench with 10 minutes to go, a scintillating break and hand-off resulted in a try for substitute hooker Andi Kyriacou.[2]

Mafi first got on the scoresheet himself in the narrow away defeat to the Dragons, a game in which he scored two tries.[3] He also finished a crucial score in the Heineken Cup round 5 game away to Bourgoin, and ran 50 metres to score his final try of the season at Musgrave Park in the end of season game against Glasgow Warriors. In all, Mafi scored 4 tries in 16 starts in his first season, but was criticised for his defensive decisions, often rushing out of the defensive line and leaving a space for opponents to exploit.

His second season in Munster was drastically more successful, even though he only managed 2 tries throughout. The presence of Māori Rua Tipoki had a calming effect on Mafi's defensive play, and the Munster centre partnership of Mafi-Tipoki was not exposed as much as the previous season's combination of Barry Murphy and Mafi, or Trevor Halstead and Mafi. Despite only scoring 3 tries between them in the victorious 2007–08 Heineken Cup campaign, their understanding of each other's play was crucial to Munster's success. Their attacking play was epitomised by Tipoki's score against Wasps in round 1 of the Heineken Cup at the Ricoh Arena, which was created by Mafi. Mafi himself scored a vital try away to French side Clermont, which secured a crucial losing bonus point which safe guarded Munster's passage to the quarter-finals. Mafi and Tipoki formed Munster's vital centre partnership as they went on to capture their second Heineken Cup crown in May 2008.[4] Mafi was nominated for Munster Player of the Year for the 2007–08 season, and in stark contrast to his debut in Welford Road, Toulouse centre Yannick Jauzion and Gloucester hooker Andy Titterell found themselves at the end of crunching tackles from the Kiwi Centre. However, Tipoki's departure at the end of the 2008–09 season led to a short lapse in Mafi's form for Munster.

The 2010–11 season saw a great deal of competition for places in the Munster team, with Sam Tuitupou, Johne Murphy and Keith Earls all competing with Mafi for centre places, and as a result Mafi spent some of the season either on the bench or dropped entirely. However, the latter half of the season saw a resurgence in his form on the pitch, and Mafi nailed down the 12 jersey. He often cooperated with Johne Murphy or Keith Earls, but, towards the end of the season, he played with Paul Warwick and Danny Barnes. The 2010–11 season also saw Mafi win his 100th cap for Munster,[5] and he was an integral part of the team that triumphed over Ospreys and Leinster as Munster secured the 2010–11 Magners League.[6]

Contrary to a persistent rumour, having played IRB 7s for New Zealand, Mafi was never eligible to play for Ireland.[7] He is however, considered an honorary Munsterman and is known as Larry Murphy to the Thomond faithful. He formerly represented New Zealand 7s, U19s & U21s before joining the Irish province in October 2006. The centre is a holder of a Tongan passport, meaning he is not regarded as an "overseas" player in either the Celtic League or Heineken Cup, which allowed him to take to the field alongside Munster's other "overseas" players such as New Zealand's top international try scorer Doug Howlett.

Perpignan

Mafi's move to French Top 14 side Perpignan was announced by then-Munster coach Tony McGahan in an interview on 22 March 2012. He joined Perpignan for the start of the 2012–13 season.[8] Mafi made his debut for Perpignan on 18 August 2012, in the first round of the 2012–13 Top 14 against Toulon.

Return to New Zealand

Mafi and his family returned to New Zealand after he left Perpignan at the end of the 2017–18 Top 14 season, with Mafi rejoining Manawatu Turbos for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup.[9][10] He retired from rugby upon the conclusion of Manawatu's involvement in the competition.[11]

Honours

Munster

References

  1. ^ "Munster make perfect start to Heineken Cup defence". munsterrugby.ie. 22 October 2006. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  2. ^ "Five try Munster on song". munsterrugby.ie. 28 October 2006. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  3. ^ "Munster's Dismal Welsh Form Continues". munsterrugby.ie. 5 January 2007. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  4. ^ "Munster Champions of Europe". munsterrugby.ie. 24 May 2008. Archived from the original on 30 September 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  5. ^ "No Consolation From Munster's Point". munsterrugby.ie. 19 December 2010. Archived from the original on 22 December 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  6. ^ "Munster Crowned Magners League Champions". munsterrugby.ie. 28 May 2011. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  7. ^ IRB (January 2000). "IRB Eligibility Rules" (PDF). IRB. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 May 2011. Retrieved 28 May 2008.
  8. ^ "O'Connell and Murray on target for return against Ulster". The Irish Times. 22 March 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
  9. ^ "Lifeimi Mafi set for long-awaited Manawatū return". Stuff. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  10. ^ "Lifeimi Mafi can't wait to take place in Turbos backline after long absence". Stuff. 25 July 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  11. ^ "Reinvigorated Manawatu ready for 2019". Mitre 10 Cup. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
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