‘Ikale Tahi captain named Pacific Player of the Year [1]
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 17:30. Updated on Thursday, February 13, 2014 - 05:49.
Nili Latu, the Pacific Rugby Player of the year
‘Ikale Tahi Captain, Nili Latu has been voted Pacific Rugby Player of the year by the Pacific Islands Players Association (PIPA) for his achievements during 2013.
The 31 year-old was awarded the “Digicel Pacific Island Players Player of the Year Award” after a vote among players from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, after last year’s November rugby tests.
Latu was also voted Tongan Player of the Year, while the Samoan Flanker, Jack Lam was voted Samoan Player of the year, and the Fijian Flanker, Akapusi Qera was voted Fijian Player of the Year. Each received a presentation Kava bowl.
Said Latu, “It’s just a big honour for me to win this award, especially with the Fijians and Samoans voting as well.”
The Pacific Islands Players Association’s founding member Seilala Mapusua said it was important for the Association to recognise outstanding players “all Pacific island players cherish every opportunity to represent their country. With these awards we hope to inspire players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to strive for excellence both on and off the field.”
Digicel’s Pacific Head, Katie Taylor said “we are delighted to be associated with PIPA and endorse individual member’s achievements in 2013 through these awards. On behalf of Digicel I would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees.