Award

The Pacific Leadership Program nominated Mrs. Ilolahia for the Oceania region, for her efforts in building and supporting coalitions for change in Tonga.

A statement said as Executive Director of the Civil Society Forum of Tonga, Mrs Ilolahia has been instrumental in bringing together and supporting coalitions working on issues as diverse as women’s access to finance, women’s leadership and political participation, and deep sea mining.

He is one of the 13 people across the world from the Indian diaspora who were honoured at the Pravasi Diwas ceremony by the Chief Minister of the State of Uttar Pradesh, Sri Akhilesh Yadav.

The 24-year-old was presented with his award by Leicester Tigers team-mate, fellow Pacific Islander, Seremaia Bai.

Veainu was genuinely shocked to receive such an accolade and immediately dedicated the award to his Tongan team-mates.

The former Melbourne Rebel back only began playing for his country in the Pacific Nations Cup that preceded the World Cup. At that time, he was out of contract with the Rebels and wondering what to do.