This is your fave tongan resident Alema! :) Today I wanted to talk about rugby! Woot woot! Recently Tonga and Fiji made it to the world semi-finals for rugby! As many of you know, I am half-tongan, as well as served my two-year mission in the islands of Fiji! Both of these countries are dear to me, and our families.
My mother, Geraldine Mann, is Tongan, but was born in New Zealand. Her parents, Ronald Mann and Luseane Wolfgramm, met and married in New Zealand but then later moved to the United States with there small family. Tongan culture of family and unity has always been apart of our family life.
Recently, regulations in rugby have been changed to allow players to switch and play for their native teams. This has led many players living in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States to represent their home countries in a sport they love! This changes has been really heart-warming because we get to see our Tongan and Fijian brother come and represent their countries. Due to financial hardship in the islands, Fiji and Tonga could never afford to support their best players. Thus, the players moved to other countries to earn better wages. But, with this change in regulation, these players are still able to earn a good living in more developed countries while representing the island homes!
It has been great to see Fiji and Tonga make it to the semi-finals and go up against strong teams such as Australia, and England. Although, both teams did not make it to the finals, these teams gave it their best shot, and made our countries proud. I am grateful for sports, and for the opportunity that it has to cultivate leadership, wellness, and unity within a nation. Rugby has been a blessing to my family personally, and it makes us proud to see our countries excelling at it, and inspiring our country to be more, and do more.
Currently, my youngest sister Nafanua is the star rugby player in our family. She is 15 years old and recently took 1st place at nationals with her team. I am lucky to have a sister like her. She is always so motivated, funny, and kind to others. Rugby has been something that we have gotten to share with her, and support her in. I hope she continues to do well!! Let's go Nafanua! Let's go Tonga! Let's go Fiji! Love you guys! Manuia le aso! (Samoan for "Have a good day!") :)
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