Former rugby star goes from tackles to tastings, bringing wine and rugby experience to NZ

A Pacific Island rugby player who spent years in France has traded in his rugby boots for wine bottles, discovering a newfound passion in the wine industry.

Speaking with Pacific Days, Semisi Telefoni, joined by his childhood friend, Ofa Fainga’anuku, both of whom are of Tongan descent, says his interest in wine was sparked by his experiences with French culture.

Moving to France from New Zealand for rugby, Telefoni was often invited to family lunches where he experienced a key element of French culture: wine.

Telefoni has launched a tour that combines wine tasting with rugby, beginning with visits to wineries and ending in an All Blacks versus France match at Eden Park.

“I was invited to a lot of houses to eat with the family, and just to experience the culture they used and what’s on their table? Wine,” he says.

“A great opportunity for the guests to taste a bit of New Zealand wine, French wine, and then head over to a rugby game.”

Semisi Telefoni experienced tasting wine from barrels in Europe. Photo/Thewinechief.co.nz

While Telefoni says wine is meant to be enjoyed, he also sees the importance of education. To help people appreciate and understand what they are drinking, he created a wine club.

He says that curiosity played a crucial role in developing his passion for wine, which he connects deeply to his faith.

“I bridge the gap maybe in education, creating a wine club for the community, and just educating them, you can drink wine and making sure they know what they drink.

“The first miracle of Jesus changing water to wine.”.

Telefoni wants to convey the message of knowing and appreciating wine. Photo/Unsplash.

Telefoni says that his religion has been a driving force behind his decision to study abroad and keeps him grounded.

He adds he did not learn the French language until he moved overseas and studied it.

“Our faith is very strong and we do everything with purpose, and that plays a great foundation,” he says.

Fainga’anuku says that as rugby players, the coaching was conducted in French, making language learning crucial.

He says that their experience in sports allowed them to explore new interests.

“For rugby, because all the coaching is in French, if you don’t keep up with the language, your skills kind of get delayed and it’s not good for performance,” he says.

Semisi Telefoni brings home the French culture of wine. Photo/Thewinechief/Facebook.

“Semisi has come home with his passion, and using it as the wine chief, it’s easier to remember.

“Sips and Scrums is one of the experiences that Semisi is trying to bring to the community, bringing in wine lovers and beginners to experience it.”

Fainga’anuku says it's beneficial to have opportunities open to Pacific wine enthusiasts and to have someone like Telefoni, who is familiar and approachable, guide them through the experience.

“Wine is not supposed to be scary. It’s supposed to be together, connect and share,” Fainga’anuku says.

For more details about the ‘Sips and Scrums’ tour, click here.

Watch Semisi Telefoni and Ofa Fainga’anuku's full interview below.