Eddie’s mission for Tonga’s rugby kids
“IT means so much to them.”
Between being the veteran of a young Bond University team finding its feet in the Queensland Premier Rugby competition, prop Eddie Aholelei is making an impact that has far greater significance.
Aholelei is the founder of Youth In Union, which harnesses his rugby connections to give back to his Tongan homeland.
Each year, the 36-year-old arranges for high-profile players to visit the rugby loving island nation, bringing with them a heap of donated equipment.
Last month, it involved Aholelei being joined by Brumbies forward Lachlan McCaffrey – now an ambassador of the charity – on a visit of two primary schools, five high schools, rugby sides and youths in jail.
With them, they hauled 15 super-sized boxes and five suitcases full of clothes, boots and the like donated by teams – among them were the Wallabies.
“It’s pretty well received back home,” Aholelei told the Bulletin.
“Anything new, old, secondhand, they’ll make use of it.
“Kids are running around with bare feet and then turn up with a second-hand pair of boots or shoes. It means so much to them.
“We are already planning for our next trip, so hopefully we have got two other guys that might come with us – I can’t name names but ex-internationals, All Blacks and Wallabies – so hopefully they come next year, plus Lachlan, depending on their schedule.”
Raised in Tonga, Aholelei moved to Sydney at the age of 20 and, after toiling away for the Manly Marlins, earned a Super Rugby call-up for the Melbourne Rebels.
It was there in 2013 his initiative was born, having seen the resources available that could help youths in Tonga.
Aholelei, who scored a try in Bond’s 48-21 win over Wests last weekend, concedes his playing days are nearing the end and so is focusing his attention on being a mentor to his rising teammates.
KIDS ARE RUNNING AROUND WITH BARE FEET AND THEN TURN UP WITH A SECOND-HAND PAIR OF BOOTS OR SHOES. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO THEM EDDIE AHOLELEI