Wellington Rugby Academy Profile: Tai Neli
Tai Neli is known for a distinctive shimmy when he runs. The fleet-footed outside back is like a chameleon seamlessly stepping into whatever team he is placed.
Neli is a first generation Samoan who lives in Porirua. He has eight siblings, four sisters and four brothers. He started his schooling at Aotea College and cracked the First XV in Year 10.
Mum had loftier ambitions for Tai.
“Mum was talking behind the scenes to Filo Tiatia at Scots College. I didn’t even know where Scots was. I loved Aotea, but when I was offered the chance to go to Scots it was too good to turn down,” Neli explains.
The shiny buildings of Strathmore were initially a big culture shock for Neli.
“Scots made me worldlier. I had no idea about a lot of things. I wanted to wear a kilt, but only the prefects could wear them,” Neli laughs.
Neli eventually found his feet at Scots, earning selection for the Hurricanes U18’s who beat the Crusaders 25-10 at the Westpac Stadium in a curtain raiser to the senior clash last year.
Scots made consecutive National Top Four First XV finals in 2014 and 2015. When Neil was at Scots they failed to reach those dizzy heights, but Scots continued to make a national impression in sevens.
“My highlight of rugby at Scots was winning the Wellington Sevens and making the Condor 7s final. We were beaten by Hamilton Boys’, but that was an upset us making the final. We played some awesome rugby and really bonded as a group,” Neli acclaims.
Jack Gray and Rodreick Solo were selected in the Condors tournament team and Neli could have been too, later earning Wellington senior honours.
On advice Neli applied for and received an Old Boys University Rugby Scholarship (for Pasifika students) scholarship to study at Victoria University and play for the club. Neli is studying commerce, management and health. He has started twice for the Billygoats and is learning fast with the reigning Jubilee Cup champions.
“I’m surprised to start twice for OBU. It’s a great club with a lot of competition. I take my rugby seriously and I want to play professionally. I’m grateful I can study and train with the support of the club and the Academy,” Neli concludes.
Fast Five
Favourite musician: Six60
Celebrity crush: Beyonce
Favourite player: Sam Reid
Favourite food: “I’m an Islander, I eat anything”,
Favourite quote: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog,” which is also TJ Perenara and Nehe Milner-Skudder’s favourite quote.