Where are they now? Lome Fa'atau
We catch up with players and club members from years gone by and see what they're up to now...
Lome Fa'atau
Wing 1999-2007
Jubilee Cup champion 1999, 2001
Lome Fa'atau was one of the fastest wings in the world in the early 2000s. Having played basketball through his time at St Patrick's College, Lome burst onto the scene with Marist St Pats in 1999 and was named in the Wellington Lions later that year. He played 35 tests for Manu Samoa along with 56 Super Rugby games for the Hurricanes and Chiefs.
You left NZ for Europe after the 2007 season, tell us what you've been doing since then?
2007 was my final season with the Hurricanes and the Lions before the Rugby World Cup for Manu Samoa. I then went on to Glasgow for a couple of seasons playing in the Magners League which was a competition between the Irish, Welsh and Scottish clubs. Once I finished there I went on to play in France and Italy before moving to the UK and settling down with my little family.
I'm now a Strength and Mentoring Coach for young athletes at Storm Fitness and I'm also coaching at Percy Park Rugby Football Club.
I always keep tabs on the progress of the Red Machine throughout the season and it's great to see the young talent Marist St Pats continues to produce.
You were involved in some great Marist St Pats teams in the late 90s early 00s, what are some of your memories from those times?
I've been very fortunate to be part of a special rugby club and played alongside some great players who have become life long friends. Winning my first Jubilee Cup final in 1999 would have to be my most memorable season at MSP as a player but there were so many amazing people behind the scenes that have contributed to this club, and continue to give their time to make MSP what it is.
It's awesome to see the likes of Kas and Fitzy giving back to the club - and the forever young Tons still lacing up and leading the charge.
Ene and Lome Fa'atau with Fa'atonu Fili at a Pacific Island themed night at the clubrooms (circa 2005)
Your brother Ene played in those teams too and is now coaching in Ireland. What have you both noticed in terms of differences in the UK game?
We have both taken up coaching roles and we have a lot of discussions about team performances and results; we can't help to not look at the difference between the skill levels of the players in the UK and back home.
The simple fundamentals of the game like a catch and pass is an area that most kids in NZ work on from a young age which makes today's game at the highest level look so effortless. It's always part of the individuals work-ons and their dedication to continue getting better doing the basics.
Some would say that you burst onto the scene with a length of the field try against Wests in the 1999 Jubilee Cup semi final, what memories do you have of that famous try?
It was a great game and it could've gone either way, Wests were a quality side and they were on fire that season.
All I remember was feeling shattered by the time I got to the other end! MSP is known for it's never say die attitude and will play out the 80 minutes, lucky for us we were able to capitalise on their error which sealed the deal, and set us up for a final against Poneke - the rest is history.
Our Premiers are again grinding through the Swindale Shield, do you have any advice?
Marist St Pats is a club that most other clubs love to beat whether they're the defending champions or not. It speaks volumes of the club and it's strong history.
MSP is about team first and putting yourself on the line for the jersey and your brother that you go out onto the pitch with. You give everything and nothing less. Your time in the jersey is short so cherish those moments and enjoy the journey.
Are you looking to reconnect with rugby in 2017?
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