Tonu’u’s season with the Hurricanes in 1999 was a homecoming for the former Poneke and Wellington Lions halfback who had moved to Auckland and the Blues to further his career.

Wellington raised and Rongotai College educated, Tonu’u played for the Wellington Lions in 1991-1992, before moving to Auckland where he made the New Zealand XV in 1994 and then the All Blacks two years later.

He was first choice halfback for the Blues from 1996-1998, and was then drafted back home to play for the Hurricanes in 1999, starting in the first five games and then off the bench behind Jason Spice in another four.

In 2000, Tonu’u left New Zealand rugby for London Irish, returning several years later and playing for the Auckland Development XV.