Tuifa’asisina becomes ‘Sir Bryan’

30 December 2017, 12:00AM

Former Manu Samoa coach and rugby legend, Tuifa’asisina Bryan 'BG' Williams has become ‘Sir Bryan.’

He has been honoured as part of the New Year 2018 Honours list, being a recipient of the Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to rugby.

According to Newshub, it is the fourth honour for the 67-year-old having previously received the Order of the British Empire in 1983, the Samoan Order of Merit in 1996 and the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013.

Tuifa’asisina was born in Auckland in 1950. His father was Samoan and his mother was a Rarotongan of Samoan descent. 

He attended Mt Albert Grammer School, where it all began.

Sir Bryan made his name on the All Blacks tour of South Africa in 1970 and went on to play 113 times, including 38 Test matches, for New Zealand.

After hanging up the boots, he coached his club side Ponsonby and Auckland, before becoming closely involved with Manu Samoa in the 90s, and went on to become an assistant coach with the Hurricanes.

But Sir Bryan's love for rugby sees him recognised as one of the greats and he believes that love has got him to where he is today.

"I loved rugby right from the start and, fortunately, rugby has loved me back," he said. "Lots of really good and happy times, but also some sad times, and we are still together.

"It has been like a marriage - I have loved my time in rugby and I've been blessed, really.

"I guess you set your goals in life and if people want to recognise you, they do. I certainly haven't gone out with that in mind, but by the same token, I am very honoured and very humbled."

To read more: http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/12/all-blacks-legend-bryan-williams-becomes-sir-bryan.html

30 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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