Discipline, teamwork and legacy: John Afoa on life beyond the field

Rugby legend John Afoa reflects on a playing career that spanned more than two decades, which included over 500 professional games and numerous valuable lessons that he now applies to his leadership role as General Manager of the Auckland University Rugby Club.

The Auckland-born former All Black prop rose swiftly through age-grade rugby, debuting for Auckland in 2002, and joining the Blues the following year. By 2005, he was anchoring the All Blacks scrum, earning 38 Test caps, scoring a famous try against Wales in 2010, and appearing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which New Zealand hosted.

After the tournament, Afoa moved abroad, playing for Ulster, Gloucester, Bristol, and French side RC Vannes. A surprise recall in 2023 saw him join the Crusaders during an injury crisis, becoming the oldest player in Super Rugby history at 39.

Now retired, Afoa tells Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi that rugby’s core values remain central to his work at Auckland University Rugby Club.

He says an important value is discipline and accountability, saying, “If you say you’re going to do something, you need to do it”. Afoa says these principles are transferable to business and life after rugby.

Afoa also discusses the importance of interpersonal relationships developed through rugby. “Understanding how relationships work with different types of people, how you interact with them and speak to them,” he says.

Listen to John Afoa's full interview below.

“Depending on what the situation is, what you need from them. Is it a friendly conversation, or does it need to be quite stern? You need to get the best out of people because deadlines are coming. It’s a professional sport. Everyone needs to be at their best. At times, it's difficult, but that's just the game that we play.”

Afoa sees grassroots rugby as “super important”, especially in continuing the influx of future players every generation. He adds that playing team sports is good for the youth, as it teaches life skills.

“Especially at a game like rugby, where there's different positions and types of players. You learn to work in large teams, communicate well, and create some real friendships. We played together at school and these friendships can last a lifetime.”

The off-field community in sports

Afoa also points out how the sport can bring families and communities together. He says it creates a safe environment for children, where their families can attend games and connect with one another.

“Parents come watch their kids, have food, share time together, get to know other players and other coaches. Parents that are involved in the club volunteer, which makes the club stronger. It’s a real community place and not just somewhere you turn up, play, and leave.

“But again, we know the times we live in. Parents are busy and caregivers have got to work. There's a lot of other strains for parents and players in their life around education, the barriers of travel, fees, and equipment.”

Honouring legacy

Beyond his role in rugby administration, Afoa also works in media with the TAB, offering insights as part of its broadcast coverage. Today, Afoa measures success not by trophies but by personal fulfillment. His vision for the next generation of players is shaped by his father’s advice.

“My old man, a tough Sāmoan guy, when I went overseas, he used to say one thing to me: ‘Make sure you don't embarrass our last name over there’. He wasn't mucking around and I think that was it.

“I want to make sure the messages and the actions I do are positive. That’s crucial for young people coming through. If it's in rugby, the men's game or the women's game, that they're doing it for the right reasons. That they've got enjoyment in it and if that's happening, then things will happen for them.”