Sāmoan sports star humbled by award for services to rugby and Pacific community

At the age of seven, Saveatama Eroni Clarke dreamed of becoming an All Black.

Not only did he achieve that ambition but nearly five decades later, he has been recognised for his contribution to rugby and Pacific communities. Clarke has been appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list.

Clarke, who hails from Vaiala village in Apia, Sāmoa, says he was “absolutely surprised” and humbled to be honoured with such a prestigious award. He is one of eight people of Pacific descent recognised in this year's honours.

The 56-year-old enjoyed a 15-year professional rugby career, representing the All Blacks, Auckland, Counties, the Blues, the Highlanders, and the Sāmoan Barbarians.

He is listed on both the Blues and Auckland Rugby Honours Boards, and later served as President of the Auckland Rugby Union.

“These are two of my obviously biggest passions, the sport that I played and was very honoured to have played at the highest level, but at the same time as well, my passion and my heart for our Pasifika communities.”

Listen to Saveatama Eroni Clarke's full interview below.

Clarke says his journey in rugby was shaped early, recalling a childhood moment watching the All Blacks with his father.

“There [I] was, a seven-year-old boy sitting in the front, in the lounge with my father and brother and watching this amazing team,” he says.

“It was from that day that I dreamed that I could play for the All Blacks one day.”

But he says his rugby career quickly became about more than personal achievement.

“It was not just for me. It wasn’t just about the playing of the game. It was really about advocating. It was about representing our communities.”

Saveatama Eroni Clarke with his son, and All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke at the Bledisloe Cup match against Australia at Sky Stadium, Wellington on Saturday 28 September 2024. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

After retiring from professional rugby, Clarke continued his service off the field. He sat on the SANZAAR Judicial Panel from 2010 to 2020, the World Rugby Judicial Panel from 2018 to 2020, and worked as a life coach and mentor with the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand.

He also served as a Pacific Addictions Counsellor at Tupu Waitematā District Health Board, supporting people facing addiction and mental health challenges.

As New Zealand Rugby’s first Pasifika Engagement Manager, Clarke led major change across New Zealand Rugby (NZR). His work included developing the NZR Pasifika Strategy 2024-2029, establishing the Pasifika Advisory Group Tausoa Fa‘atasi, delivering cultural competency training nationwide, and supporting Pasifika governance training programmes.

“Why a Pasifika strategy? Because it’s a mandate that really does begin to, I suppose, in some ways, hold New Zealand Rugby accountable.”

He says while Pasifika are strongly represented on the field, more work is needed off it.

A former Auckland player, Saveatama Eroni Clarke (pictured with ball) is seen here in a match against Queensland in 1991. Photo/Photosport/www.photosport.nz

“We’re well represented on the field, but yet the areas where there are low numbers of representation are in the off-field roles… particularly in the spaces where decisions are made for the game across Aotearoa.”

He is also a Christmas Box Ambassador, helping deliver food to families in need across New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

Reflecting on the honour, Clarke says the recognition belongs to many others.

“I really certainly accept this award on behalf of a lot of the community that I’ve been able to journey with,” he says. “I really want to acknowledge my family… and I really want to give thanks to the Lord.”

For more details about the other Pacific recipients, click here.