Fiao’o Fa’amausili

I first photographed Fiao’o when she was part of the RWC winning team in Barcelona back in 2002. She was a fresh faced 21 year old who was just thrilled to be part of a magical Black Fern team. Fiao’o would go on to not only win another 3 World Cups but also Captain the Black Ferns to her final title 15 years later.

I loved stealing 5 mins with Fiao’o and listening to her chat about old times. How she would copy everything the Black Ferns she saw at her club do, in the hope that she too could represent her adopted country. Even becoming a ‘postie’ because thats what Rochelle Martin and Fiona Richards did! Being paid to ride a bike was the perfect way to fit in some extra training even if it did mean some seriously early starts.

Fia’o and I caught up during a Hall Of Fame event in Auckland. The third NZ’er to be inducted and the first Pasifika female. I mentioned to Fiao’o how much she reminded me of the All Black legend Keven Mealamu and was amazed to hear that not only did they both come from Samoa when they were young. The were both Head boy/girl at the same high school. They go to the same church and now go to the same gym!

You couldn’t find two better role models and I’m hoping there are many future BF’s and AB’s copying everything they have both done.

“I love the haka. It’s part of our culture. It doesn’t matter whether our tūpuna are from the Pacific or Europe or anywhere else, we’re all New Zealanders. As New Zealanders, we respect our ancestors of this land, and therefore, when you perform the haka, it’s all one. We’re all New Zealanders. And the haka is something you live and breathe when you’re in the black jersey.” 

*In our book we write that Fia’o is the only player to have played in 5 RWC’s and won four titles. we realise now that in fact Anna Richard also holds the same record - having competed in the 1991 RWC before winning the 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010.