Catholic Priest, Father Dave Mullins (88), who was a former ‘Ikale Tahi coach, and instrumental with the development of rugby and sports in Tonga, passed away on Christmas Eve, 24 December at St Joseph’s Home, Auckland,  New Zealand, where he resided.

Fr David Mullins was born in Christchurch on September 29, 1930 and ordained at St Mary’s Church, Christchurch, on July 15, 1956, according to the Catholic Parish of Glen Eden.

During his time in Tonga, he introduced rugby to ‘Api Fo’ou College where he was the Principal. Four years later the school won the inter-college rugby tournament in 1961. He was also a Director of Catholic Education and a Vicar General of the diocese.

Fr Mullins also coached the Tongan national rugby team during its first tour to New Zealand in 1969, where they won two tests against the New Zealand Maoris.

In his later years, he served as chaplain to migrant Tongans in the USA and New Zealand for seven years.

Fr Mullins spoke fluent Tongan and visited Tonga in 2014 when he was invited as guest of honor to a reception hosted by the 2019 Pacific Games Organizing Committee. He is remembered for his dedication to the success of the development of sports in Tonga.

A vigil service [2] will take place on Sunday, 30 December, at Little Sisters of the Poor in Ponsonby, Auckland, starting at 4pm, and open to the public at 7pm.

This will be followed by a requiem mass on Monday, 31 December at St Patrick’s Church in Panmure, Auckland, at 11am.