PLAYER PROFILE : VA’AIGA LEALUGA TUIGAMALA. BORN: 4/9/69 BIRTHPLACE: W. Samoa HEIGHT: 6’ 0" WEIGHT: 17st 4lb POSITION: Centre

Newcastle’s Western Samoan born centre was, when playing against England, was as feared and as talked about as Jonah Lomu. Va’aiga was brought up in Auckland. After scoring 25 points, (5 tries) against Mid Canterbury almost 10 years ago he was selected by the New Zealand first team to make his international debut against the USA in 1991. To this day, Tuigamala has added another 18 All Black appearances to his total, terrifyingly leading the Haka on many occasions.

Now with the two All Black centre positions taken by Frank Bunce and Walter Little, Tuigamala is concentrating fully on club rugby much to Newcastle’s gain.

Tuigamala, after playing rugby league for Wigan, and scoring 25 tries in his first season, has now won the Premiership for two years in succession. The first with Wasps in the 1996/7 season, before winning the title again with Newcastle last season.

Playing alongside and forming a brilliant centre partnership with Scotland’s Alan Tait, who has now left the club. It will now be great next season to see who he will soon be partnered with. Thanks Tuigamala for being one of the most friendly and approachable members of the squad.

During the 1998/9 season the club like his country began to play him on the wing where he made a huge impact. He was then selected to play for Samoa during their 1999 World Cup campaign.