Amanaki Mafi

Amanaki Lelei Mafi (born 11 January 1990) is a Tongan-born, Japanese professional rugby union player who currently plays as a number 8 for the Japanese Sunwolves, Japan national rugby union team and the Bath Rugby Union team for a short period of time.

Date of birth (1990-01-21) January 21, 1990
Place of birthTofoa, Tonga
Height189 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight112 kg (17 st 9 lb; 247 lb)
SchoolTonga College 'Atele
UniversityHanazono University
Notable relative(s)Alex Mafi (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–
2016		 NTT Communications Shining Arcs
→ Bath (loan)		 44
7		 (70)
(20)
Correct as of 27 January 2019
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2017−2018 Rebels 30 (35)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014– Japan 25 (45)
Correct as of 15 September 2019

Debut

Mafi represented Tonga U20 in the 2009 Junior World Cup, before moving to Hanazono University in Japan in 2010. After a breakout first season in the Top League for NTT Communications Shining Arcs, Mafi was named in both the Tonga and Japan squad for the 2014 November tests.[1] He opted to play for Japan though, and made an immediate impact which was noted as 'pretty special' by coach Eddie Jones.[2]

He was then sidelined for eight months with a career-threatening dislocated hip injury but recovered just in time to make it back into the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, where he again impressed. Following the 2015–16 Top League season, he moved to England to join for Bath on a short-term loan deal where he was described as a 'sensation',[3] However his stay was ended early in controversial circumstances following an altercation with the club's medical officer.[4]

Mafi made four appearances for Japan, including scoring two tries, at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and played an important role in the team's historical 34-32 win over the Springboks by providing the winning pass that secured the biggest upset of the tournament.

Career

Before his 2014 call up for the Brave Blossoms for his senior international debut against Romania he played in Japan's Kansai Collegiate Rugby Championships.

In 2016, Mafi joined Bath Rugby Team on a short term contract and made immediate impact with four tries in his first four matches.

In August 2016 Mafi signed to join the Melbourne Rebels to train for the 2017 Super Rugby season.[5] He is currently playing for the Rebels until the end of the season to then return and play in the Japan team.

On November 19, 2016 Mafi won the Man of the Match award in Japan's 33-30 loss to Wales at the Principality Stadium in the Under Armour Autumn Series.

In May 30, 2017 Amanaki was named to be in the Brave Blossoms Rugby Union team that represents Japan in international rugby union competitions.

Super Rugby Statistics
As of 15 July 2018[6]
SeasonTeamGamesStartsSubMinsTriesConsPensDropsPointsYelRed
2017 Rebels1515011681000500
2018 Rebels15150113860003010
Total30300230670003510

References
  1. "Le dilemme d'Amanaki Lelei Mafi". Archived from the original on 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  2. "Goromaru's Boot Helps Japan Keep Win Streak Alive Vs. Romania". Archived from the original on 2018-02-05. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  3. "Bath Rugby sensation Amanaki Mafi wants to go back to Japan". Archived from the original on 2016-05-14. Retrieved 2016-05-01.
  4. "Bath Rugby: Amanaki Mafi has left after an altercation with the club's medical chief".
  5. Melbourne Rebels (4 August 2016). "Rebels secure marquee international No.8 Amanaki Mafi" (Press release). Archived from the original on 10 August 2017. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  6. "Player Statistics". It's Rugby.
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