The standout Tongan player in the Japanese team which humiliated South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup married his Japanese fiancee in Auckland’s Botanic Gardens in New Zealand this week.
‘Amanaki Mafi, 25, married Azusa Arita, 27, after flying in from Japan.
Arita’s parents, Tetsuya and Kanako Arita, accompanied them and ‘Amanaki’s parents, Uilini and Tevita Puli Mafi, travelled from Tonga for the ceremony.
Mafi told Kaniva News he was happy to be in New Zealand with his wife.
Mafi became a rugby star in last year’s World Cup Tournament after he fended off South Africa’s five eighth, giving him more space to run further down the corner before passing the ball to Harumichi Tatekawa, who scored.
The last-minute try sealed one of the all-time great sporting upsets against overwhelming favourites South Africa.
The Brave Blossoms beat South Africa 34-32.
Mafi was a replacement at the match and was wearing the number 21 jersey.
“We will leave from here to England to join Bath’s Rugby Club for a five-month contract before we come back to Japan,” Mafi told Kaniva News.
He said the whole purpose of holding the wedding in Auckland was to celebrate with his family. He said he was happy to be re-united with his siblings, cousins and parents in Auckland
Mafi has 16 brothers and sisters.
His wife Asuza was elated and appeared to have greatly enjoy mingling with ‘Amanaki’s family.
“Thanks for having me,” Asuza said.
“I am Japanese, but they are loving me so much,” she said of ‘Amanaki’s family.
“I really love Tongan cultures and I love Naki’s family…I really love them. I am really happy.”
She said she could cook Tongan food and loved it.
“I cook ota ika and lu sipi,” she said, laughing.
She said she met ‘Amanaki because her friend was dating a Tongan boy, ‘Amanaki Loto’ahea.
The wedding was a family private function which began with a Mass led by Fr Sateki Raass at the Auckland Botanic Gardens in South Auckland this morning.
It was followed by a formal reception at the Ellerslie Convention Centre in Auckland.
Mafi’s aunt Viola Sanalio said she was happy to see their family grow with their connection to Asuza and her Japanese family.