Lifeimi Mafi

Lifeimi Mafi (born 15 August 1982 in Nukualofa, Tonga) is a Tongan Rugby union player.

Player details

His usual position is at Centre. He is 1.83m tall and weighs 90 kg. He is a former New Zealand Under-19, Under-21 and Sevens representative. He played for Manawatu in 2003 and in 2005 he played in the Taranaki team against the British and Irish Lions. He was also a squad member for the Wellington Hurricanes franchise in the Super 14 before leaving the club and going to Ireland to play for Munster in the Magners League and the Heineken Cup. Mafi formed a superb centre partnership with Rua Tipoki, and fast became a Munster fan favourite with his try scoring record, slick side stepping and crunching tackles. His passion on the pitch and the fact that he quickly bought into the Munster ideals add to this cult following.

Contrary to a rumour that refuses to go away, having played IRB 7s for New Zealand, Mafi will never be eligible to play for Ireland. He is however, considered an honorary Munsterman and is known as Larry Murphy to the Thomond faithful. He formerly represented New Zealand 7's, U19's & U21's before joining the Irish province in October 2006. The New Zealand born centre is a holder of a Tongan passport, meaning he is not regarded as an "overseas" player in either the Magners League or Heineken Cup, which allows him take the field alongside Munster's other "overseas"...
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