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Maʻafu Fia

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Ma'afu Fia
Birth nameMa'afu Fia
Date of birth (1989-11-22) 22 November 1989 (age 35)
Place of birthTofoa, Tonga
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight124 kg (19 st 7 lb)
SchoolPalmerston North Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Tighthead Prop
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2015–2022 Ospreys 102 (30)
2022 → Bath Rugby 6 (0)
Correct as of 31 May 2022
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2009–15 Manawatu 61 (10)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012–15 Highlanders 39 (0)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018- Tonga 11 (0)

Ma'afu Fia (born 22 November 1989) is a Tongan International rugby union prop who most recently played rugby for Ospreys in the URC, having previously represented the Highlanders in Super Rugby.

Early life

Fia was born in Tonga and moved to New Zealand in 2001. He went to school with Aaron Cruden, Andre Taylor and Kurt Baker.[1]

Playing career

Provincial Rugby

Fia had a stellar year in 2009 as he broke into the Manawatu provincial squad for the Air New Zealand Cup competition and helped New Zealand to the IRB World Under-20 title. As a result, he was named Manawatu's Outstanding Junior Sportsperson for 2009.[2]

In the 2010 ITM Cup, Fia established himself as a starter at prop for Manawatu, and scored his first provincial try. In the 2011 ITM Cup, he was a key part of a vastly improved Turbos squad.

Super Rugby

Fia signed with the Highlanders for the 2012 Super Rugby season. He spent 4 seasons with the Highlanders and was a member of their 2015 Super Rugby championship squad, although he was sidelined for most of the season through a knee injury.[3]

Pro 14

On 5 October 2015, Fia signed a 3-year contract with the Ospreys.[4][5] On 17 September 2016, he scored his first Ospreys try against Treviso in round 3.

International

Fia was born in Tonga but moved to New Zealand in 2001 at the age of 11, and represented New Zealand at youth levels. He is a 2009 IRB Junior World Championship winner, with New Zealand.

He made his debut for the Tonga Rugby Union on 17 November 2018, against Wales. He was selected for his first Rugby World Cup in 2019.

References

  1. ^ Hepburn, Steve (21 May 2014). "Slow start but Fia finding form now". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
  2. ^ "Manawatu Turbos | 2011 ITM Cup" (Press release). Manawatu Turbos. Archived from the original on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  3. ^ Peter Lampp (5 June 2014). "Highlanders' Fia in slim trim". Stuff. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  4. ^ Peter Lampp (30 September 2015). "Manawatu prop Ma'afu Fia destined for Welsh club Ospreys". Stuff. Retrieved 18 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Ospreys sign prop Ma'afu Fia from Highlanders". BBC. 5 October 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2022.


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