From All Black to mentor: Pita Alatini’s vision at King’s College

Former All Black and ʻIkale Tahi representative, Pita Alatini, leads the rugby programme at King’s College.

Alatini, who played internationally before moving into community work in South Auckland, was drawn back into coaching when a friend asked for help. Speaking to Pacific Huddle host Tuilagi William Leolahi, Alatini says the opportunity to return to King’s, the school he attended, came unexpectedly but felt right.

“It's a funny one, it wasn't in the immediate plans as such. The school is dear in my heart. There was an opportunity there to work alongside Ian and see how we can create what we're doing with the First XV right down through to the rest of our rugby community,” he says.

“That opportunity came up, I thought I'll jump at it. I've got great coaching management that I'm able to rely on and lean on to create this programme, which will bear some fruits.” The “fruits’ Alatini refers to is King’s College’s victory over Saint Kentigern College.

The match ended at 36-27 in the Auckland 1A First XV rugby grand final at Eden Park on 16 August, cementing the school’s title as the 2025 Auckland 1A champions. The former midfielder says his focus is now on developing both rugby skills and personal development.

He says ensuring players serve as good role models is key to attracting others to the team. “That everything they're doing wholeheartedly in our rugby programme, they have to do in their everyday life, in class, around teachers and their other peers.

Listen to PIta Alatini's full interview below.

“Also not forgetting who they are and where they come from. They represent their families and everyone around them as they go through this journey. So keeping that tight, and make sure they're understanding when they leave school they're better equipped with tools.”

One of Alatini’s strongest motivations is supporting Māori and Pacific students. With over 100 Pacific and Māori students at their school, this was a “drawcard” inhis decision to work at King’s College

“To help some of those kids get through the school, not only in sports, but also the other side of the education. The challenge is good. The biggest part is connecting with little kids at school and understanding their story and finding out how we can help.”

King’s College defeated Saint Kentigern College 36-27 in the Auckland 1A First XV rugby grand final at Eden Park. Photo/King’s College

Alatini feels blessed to mentor youth, as they have given him valuable insights about his own experience as a parent and helped him stay in touch with young people’s mindsets. For those going into a sports career, he warns against putting all “your eggs into one basket”.

“I grew up in an era where you thought you'd last forever and didn't have the support that we have now. The professional game has great support and understanding, making sure they diversify their interests.”

Alatini says interests could include academic studies or trades, but it is essential for players to begin thinking about their lives beyond rugby early on.

“Having those backup plans has always been the biggest thing with us.That's why in the school system, we push our kids to make sure they at least go out with their University Entrance to have that option. Those are the key things for us. Making sure that the kids are well-equipped and not just fully engaging in rugby or other sports that are involved in that school.”

Alatini played 17 Tests for the All Blacks between 1999 and 2001, and later served as an assistant coach and technical advisor for Tonga at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.