oung Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua was never short of playing companions growing up in the Lower Hutt suburb of Naenae.
Growing up in a family of nine, which included three older brothers, two younger ones and a sister, Aumua admits rugby played a major part in his life ever since he began to join in with his siblings in the backyard and at his local club.
The Wellington Lions and Hurricanes rake did not gravitate to the front row immediately, however.
“I started at fullback, playing with one of my older brothers, but I was one of the smallest in the team,” he says. “But I wasn’t really a fullback, I was just out the back playing with the grass.”
It did not take long for Aumua to start concentrating on the game, though, and his talent was quickly regonised, especially when he got to secondary school at St Patrick’s College Silverstream where he was selected in the first XV for three years.
While the first XV made the Wellington final every year Aumua was involved, lifting the trophy proved elusive. Not that it dampened his enthusiasm for the game as he quickly moved onwards and upwards, making the New Zealand Under-20 squad two years running having already played for the national schools squad.
The next stage of Aumua’s rugby career saw him debut for the Wellington Lions, with his form so good in 2017 he was selected for the All Blacks on their end-of-year tour when he played against the Barbarians and a France XV.
His next step was the Hurricanes, a team held close to him since he was young.
“Ever since I started seeing them on TV I wanted to be part of it,” he says.
“Growing up I always wanted to put on the swirl and being here today is a real honour.”
Away from the game, Aumua spends a lot of time with his two Rottweiler dogs – Bruno and Coco – who rival him when it comes to the weekly food bill.
“To me they’re cute but to everyone else, they’re something else,” he jokes.
Join the Hurricanes at Our House, Westpac Stadium for Deby Night on Saturday April 27 against the Chiefs. Use code DERBY to secure a $30 Platinum Uncovered Adult ticket (usually $43.50). Click HERE to purcahse tickets!
300 Adult fans (over 18 years) receive a complimentary Tui / Hurricanes bucket hat from the yellow booth at 6.30pm on game night.