From mortgages to muscle rubs: Apa Fatialofa’s business is one built on belief

When Apa Fatialofa first tried an organic muscle rub to ease pain after double knee replacement surgery, he didn’t expect it to become his next business venture.

After 25 years in the mortgage industry, he came across Omrub three years ago and decided to make the switch from finance to wellness. The focus, he says, remains the same: helping people.

Fatialofa now runs Omrub, a New Zealand-made natural anti-inflammatory muscle rub.

“I could see the swelling in my knees coming down,” he says. “I wasn’t keen on taking Voltaren tablets, so I used Omrub because it’s 100 per cent natural.”

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle, Fatialofa says the product is used for arthritis, joint and muscle pain, and by professional athletes.

He admits the biggest challenge is helping people understand what makes Omrub different.

“Ours is 100 per cent organic, 14 active ingredients, no chemicals, no fillers, no water. It’s professional strength, and safe for everyone from kids to grandparents.”

Professional teams and athletes across the Pacific have embraced the product, including former All Black Sevens captain DJ Forbes.
“When he was boxing for Fight for Life, he said after training every day he couldn’t move. But when he used Omrub at night, the next morning he could get up and train again.”

The Fiji Drua rugby team and ANZ Premiership netballers have also used the rub.

One reviewer, Erin O’Hara from Golden Yogi, writes: “We love using Omrub in our clinic for massage therapy. Its unique combination of natural ingredients gives amazing relief to tight and painful muscles.”

Sporting roots and Sāmoan pride

While business now takes centre stage, sport has always been part of Fatialofa’s life. He comes from one of Aotearoa’s most well-known rugby families, has represented Sāmoa in squash, and his brother, Peter 'Fats' Fatialofa, was a legendary Manu Samoa and Auckland rugby representative.

His introduction to squash was almost accidental. “My older brother played squash and was in the army. I visited him in Waiouru one weekend, got on the court, and just liked the sport,” he says.

Today, Fatialofa remains connected to Sāmoa’s squash community, which he says is thriving after hosting the Oceania Games. But funding and access to competition remain ongoing barriers.

“If you want to compete at the top level, you need funds to get the top coaches. They’ve got some good players coming through and are helping the best way they can, through fundraising, coaching and mentoring young athletes.”

Asked what legacy he hopes to create, Fatialofa says it’s about effort and example.
“In business and sport it’s difficult to succeed. I just want my family to see me trying my best in whatever I’ve done, and follow in my footsteps.”

And his message to young Pacific people? “Keep your dreams alive and go for it. Everything’s possible as long as you’ve got the dream and the right people behind you.”