A Sāmoan Success: D’Angelo Leuila shares his inspiring journey

Former Manu Sāmoa and Moana Pasifika star, D’Angelo Leuila, is using the downtime from shoulder surgery to reflect on a decade spent in provincial and professional rugby.

The South Auckland-born centre and flyhalf has represented Sāmoa, Japan, and now the United States, Leuila says that his time abroad has taught him valuable lessons both on and off the field.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leolahi on Pacific Huddle, he emphasises the personal and family significance of representing Manu Sāmoa since 2016.

He says that playing for a Pacific nation can create pathways to future opportunities.

“I hold that jersey to the highest honour for me… my heart was always to play for Sāmoa,” Leuila tells Tuilagi. “That blue jersey meant everything to me… I carry my heart on my sleeve when it comes to Sāmoa.

“That blue jersey can make the same pathway for you just as the black jersey, just as the red jersey, just as the white jersey… I am a witness to that.”

A standout moment in his career was last year’s 33-25 home win against Italy. “To finally beat Italy, and especially doing it at home in front of our people…you couldn't ask for a better result, and then just to see our people cheering and chahooing, that's the best feeling you can ever have after a game.”

Leuila has also had success in provincial rugby, having played for Auckland and leading the Waikato Mooloos to their first title in 15 years in 2021.

He admits to almost quitting rugby after the death of his grandparents, but his fiancée encouraged him to continue.

D'Angelo Leuila playing for Waikato in September, 2024. Photo/Photosport/Bruce Lim

“She always reminds me, ‘Your dad worked so hard to get you to a certain point in rugby and you don’t want to waste all his early mornings, all his standing in the rain, and watching you play when you were young,” Leuila told Rugby Pass. “You don’t want to throw that all away’.

“That was another reason why I wanted to keep going and succeed in rugby. I didn’t want to let him down; I didn’t want to waste all his time that he gave up.”

Playing in the USA

Leuila signed with the Utah Warriors for the 2024-25 season, scoring 95 points in 13 matches.

He says playing abroad requires an open mind and the ability to adapt, but having his wife and son close by helps him stay grounded.

“Making sure that you're able to enjoy what you're doing, enjoy your rugby, and try and do it to the best of your ability… and then obviously know what the people are like so it can be easier for you to transition into playing in different countries.

“My family are my world, my strength. I need them there… once you're home, you make time for your wife, you make time for your son, and you be present as a father. That's where the balance is.”

Leuila is open about the difficulties of moving to new countries, but says his faith and mindset have been a cornerstone to his success.

“For me, it was hard… first time being away from home… the one thing that I can say confidently and wholeheartedly is that you go with God. That's the main thing.

“Making sure that you play your part as a rugby player, and then making sure that you get to know the place, transition well to wherever you're heading to, and just making sure that… you take every opportunity that you get, no matter what.”

Looking beyond his playing career, Leuila hopes to inspire young athletes and give back to the community through coaching.

Moana Pasifika training at Mt Smart Stadium ahead of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific rugby competition. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Leuila is also looking forward to returning to the field once his shoulder fully heals.

“I want to make sure that all our young athletes and Pasifika people know that there are pathways in different areas of this world and for them to utilise that as much as they can.

“Two more weeks in the sling and then we'll be able to get out, start training and do some work to get the shoulder right, so I can come back next year and play.”