2019 Pacific Games organizers welcome Fr Mullins [1]
Saturday, July 5, 2014 - 20:08. Updated on Sunday, July 6, 2014 - 21:09.
Rev Fr Dave Mulllins, a name that is synonymous with the development of rugby and sports in Tonga, was a guest of honor at a reception hosted by the 2019 Pacific Games Organizing Committee on Friday evening, 4 July at Davina House, Ma'ufanga.
Guests at the reception included rugby players who represented Tonga on its first tour of New Zealand in 1969, and the 'Api Fo'ou College 1st XV rugby team which became the Tonga inter-college Rugby champion in 1961.
Lord Sevele-of-Vailahi, the Chairman of the 2019 Pacific Games Organizing Committee said the success of the development of sports during those days was because of the dedication of people like Fr Mullins, Lupeti Finau, Siaosi Palelei and others. He also invited Fr Mullins to the 2019 Pacific Games in Tonga.
Fr Mullins, from Christchurch, New Zealand, speaks fluent Tonga and had a few anecdotes about how he introduced rugby into 'Api Fo'ou College and how, four years later they won the inter-college rugby tournament by beating St Andrew's College, much to the amusement of St Andrew's College old boys who were also members of the national team that tour New Zealand in 1969.
The formality of the evening was concluded with a song by some of the national rugby players who were at the reception, including Sio Motu'apuaka, Fakahau Valu, ‘Uhila Tai, Kimipu 'Inoke, 'Otenili Tu'ipulotu, Soakai Motu'apuaka and Fuka Kitekei'aho.