Manu Vunipola (rugby union, born 1967)

Manu Vunipola (born circa 1967 in Kolomotu'a,[4]) is a Tongan former rugby union player and former Tonga sevens coach. He played as scrum-half. Currently he is the Minister of Sport of Tonga.[5]

Manu Vunipola
Date of birth1967 (age 56–57)
Place of birthKolomotu'a, Tonga
Height1.70 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight82 kg (181 lb)
Notable relative(s)Feʻao Vunipola (brother)
Elisi Vunipola (brother)
Mako Vunipola and Billy Vunipola (nephews)
Occupation(s)Engineer, Minister of Sport of Tonga[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrum-half
Current team
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1987–1999 Toa-ko-Ma'afu RFC ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1987-1991 ʻEua[2] ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1987–1999 Tonga 36 (9)
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
  Tonga 1993
Coaching career
Years Team
2012–2014[3] Tonga

Career

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Vunipola debuted for Tonga in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, playing only against Wales, in Palmerston North, on 29 May 1987. He also played the 1995 Rugby World Cup, playing the matches against France and against Scotland, in Pretoria. His last international cap was during the match against Fiji in Nuku'alofa, on 26 June 1999.

Personal life

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He is brother of the fly-half Elisi Vunipola and of the hooker Feʻao Vunipola, both Tongan internationals. He is also the uncle of Feʻao's sons, Billy and Mako Vunipola, both England internationals.[6]

Notes

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  1. ^ Sport: Former Tongan player hopeful of hosting Wales
  2. ^ Photo of the Tonga 1991 squad on The Tonga Chronicle
  3. ^ Sport: Tongan coach proud of 7s efforts despite setbacks
  4. ^ CEO Emeline Tuita's role with Tonga Rugby Union terminated Kaniva Tonga
  5. ^ Sport: Former Tongan player hopeful of hosting Wales
  6. ^ Chadband, Ian (7 March 2013). "England v Italy: Vunipola brothers Mako and Billy want Mum to see their Sunday best". Daily Telegraph.
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