Author(s): Paul Thomas

Sports Biography

Recently retired All Blacks captain Tana Umaga is one of the most respected players in world rugby. As the first player of Samoan heritage to captain the All Blacks in test rugby, his story is unique. One of the proudest players ever to wear the famous black jersey, Umaga became an inspirational captaina man adored by both his team-mates and public alike. In his biography, Umaga will talk of his great love of the All Blacks; of the many highs and lows he has experienced in his 10-year career at the top, and will not shirk the controversial moments in his careerincluding THAT tackle on Lions centre and captain Brian ODriscoll. In 2003, he became the first New Zealander to receive the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy for Fair Play for attending to the injured Colin Charvis of Wales during a Test at Hamilton. In 2005 he brought up 100 Super 12 caps with the Hurricanes. He has been the Hurricanes and Wellington Lions skipper and an inspirational leader. He is the fourth most capped All Black (70 tests) in history, sitting behind Christian Cullen, Jeff Wilson, Jonah Lomu and Doug Howlett in the All Blacks test try-scoring stakes.