Heritage gives lock motivation

Adam Coleman’s Tongan heritage has bubbled to the surface in emotional fashion as the Wallabies lock gets set to eyeball Pacific rivals Fiji at the Rugby World Cup.

Born in Hobart and having lived in four other Australian states or territories because of his nomadic rugby career, Coleman’s Tongan roots are often overlooked.

The Melbourne Rebels hardman’s father was Ikale Tahi Test captain Pau’u Afeaki, who died when his son was 12. By that stage, rugby was in Coleman’s blood. His passion grew as three cousins became Test forwards – Rodney Blake (Australia), Inoke Afeaki (Tonga) and Ben Afeaki (New Zealand).

“That’s the reason I play rugby,” Coleman said.

“You have the old man play rugby for Tonga and you’ve got three cousins that have played professional rugby. So as a youngster you always look up to them and think ‘I want to play rugby, I want to be better than them’.

“I wanted to get out there and find out why they like it so much. Why are they doing that?”

Injury issues and the form of Izack Rodda and Rory Arnold could see Coleman, 27, consigned to mainly a bench role in Japan.

Coleman was relieved to simply win squad selection for his first World Cup, which is his last rugby assignment before leaving for English Premiership club London Irish.

“The gold jersey means so much to me and it wasn’t a decision, you know, just going overseas,” he said. “I’m thankful to be here. It’s been a bumpy ride, especially this year through injury.”