Atunaisa Moli, born on 12 June 1995, is a talented New Zealand rugby union player who has made a name for himself as a prop. He currently represents the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Tasman in the Bunnings NPC. Moli has also had the privilege of donning the prestigious All Blacks jersey, representing the New Zealand national rugby union team.
Early Life and Education:
Moli was born in Gisborne, a town in northern New Zealand. However, he pursued his secondary education at Marlborough Boys' College in Blenheim, located on the South Island. During his time in college, he showcased his rugby skills by representing Marlborough at the under-16 level and Tasman at the under-18 level. After completing his education, Moli moved to Waikato, where he continued his rugby journey by representing the region at the under-19 level.
Career:
Moli's professional rugby career kicked off in 2015 when he made his debut for Waikato in the ITM Cup against Tasman. Despite being hindered by a foot injury, he managed to play six games in his first season. In 2016, he solidified his position as a prop and made six appearances for Waikato, all of which were starting matches.
His impressive performances at the provincial level caught the attention of the Chiefs, and he earned a spot in their Super Rugby squad for the 2016 season. Moli made his Super Rugby debut against the Southern Kings, and due to a season-ending injury to Nepo Laulala, he had more game time than anticipated, playing 10 matches and scoring one try. He continued to be a part of the Chiefs' squad for the 2017 season.
Moli's journey to international recognition began when he represented New Zealand Schools in 2013. He then went on to be a crucial member of the New Zealand Under-20 teams that competed in the 2014 and 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championships. In 2015, he captained the team to victory in the final against England, securing the championship title.
His outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, and in 2017, Moli was selected as a non-playing "Apprentice" in the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship. He became only the third New Zealander to hold this title, following in the footsteps of Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett. Moli made his debut for the All Blacks against a French side, and he was one of six players who made their international debut in that match.
Moli's journey continued in 2019 when he earned a recall to the All Blacks squad and made his test debut against Argentina. He also had the privilege of representing New Zealand at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, playing a significant role in the team's campaign. He started in a match against Canada and came off the bench in the Bronze Final against Wales, where the All Blacks secured a third-place finish.
Moli's contributions have not been limited to the international stage. He has been a key player for Tasman in the Bunnings NPC, making appearances in various seasons and displaying his prowess as a prop.
Throughout his career, Moli has overcome injuries and setbacks, proving his resilience and dedication to the sport. His strength, skill, and versatility as a prop have made him a valuable asset to his teams and have earned him recognition at both domestic and international levels.
KG(31/05/2023)
Career
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Western Force Tighthead Prop |
2023 - present |
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New Zealand U20's Tighthead Prop |
2014 - 2014 |
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Barbarians Tighthead Prop |
2017 - 2017 |
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Waikato Tighthead Prop |
2015 - 2018 |
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New Zealand Tighthead Prop |
2017 - 2019 |
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Chiefs Tighthead Prop |
2015 - 2023 |
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Marlborough Boys College Tighthead Prop |
|
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Tasman Mako Tighthead Prop |
2019 - 2024 |
