‘We can do heaps’: Tanner Vili encourages Pacific youth to explore new opportunities

Tanner Vili is determined to see more young Pacific athletes breaking the mould in sports that can often box them into rugby union or rugby league.

Vili, a former first-five for Manu Sāmoa, who played in the 1999 and 2003 Rugby World Cups, also represented the Pacific Islanders Rugby Alliance in their landmark matches against the All Blacks, Wallabies, and Springboks in 2004.

Speaking with Tuilagi William Leohai on Pacific Huddle, Vili, who is now based in Auckland, is committed to building pathways for Pacific youth. His motivation comes from his upbringing among inspiring and diverse role models in East Auckland.

Vili says seeing Pacific youth diversify their sporting options is crucial, explaining that many tend to lean towards rugby, rugby league, or boxing. Vili is on the committee of the Riverside Sports Club, formerly the Mount Wellington Tennis Club, where he played in his youth.

“I run the local tennis club, committee and local trust in Mount Wellington. I grew up on those courts. Pacific Islanders, we're athletes. We need more Pacific Islanders playing tennis or other sports.”

Reflecting on his upbringing in social housing, Vili highlighted the importance of creating new opportunities for young people. Vili says sports and friendships provided comfort during his childhood when “not having much”. “So, I want to see more of our Pacific Islanders and more opportunities… being the boss and not just an employee.”

Listen to Tanner Vili’s full interview below.

Vili, who also had stints with the Hurricanes, Counties Manukau, Borders in Scotland, and Kintetsu in Japan, says maintaining cultural pride is central. He adds that being recognised through rugby means most know of his Sāmoan heritage, which has “opened up a lot of doors”.

Vili encourages youth to embrace their roots. “It's making sure they don't forget where they're from and where their ancestors are from.”

“Our parents came over to New Zealand with nothing and made a big sacrifice for us to come over. That grounds me when I look back at what my parents sacrificed. It's a brave thing to do.”

Vili hopes Pacific youth will have more self-confidence and aspire to take on bigger roles. He reassured them that it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

“You want [youth] to feel supported and the courage to give things a go because there's a lot of them who might be too shy to put their hand up.

“They're happy just doing little roles. Stand up and if you think you want to give it a go, give it a go. Come out of your shell. A lot of us stay in our shell, when I know we can do heaps.”