RIP Peter Fats - one of the games characters

[aeneas]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/9367750/Samoan-legend-Peter-Fatialofa-dies

A rock in the scrum for the great Auckland side and captain of Manu Samoa during their run in the nineties.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Very sad news.

Have they changed the Laws surrounding the scrum engagement sequence in Heaven as well? This could explain why his name was put on the Team Sheet for this Saturday's game at such a young stage in his life.

One of the great characters of our game, he will be sadly missed in the Samoan community, and the Rugby family, world wide.

 

[Dan54]

Quite sad to read today that one of Rugby's true gentleman, and icon's of the game Peter Fatialofa (Fats) has passed away due to heart attack. Really believe this man was responsible for so many Samoan boys, indeed a lot of Polynesian kids in Auckland especially, becoming hooked on the game, as well as making propping a star position to play during the 80s and 90s. Played a lot of games for Auckland and Samoa, and had moved back to Samoa I think to set up a travel business to help his family, also was host on Breakfast radio over there. He did have almost cult status in NZ and Samoa as a man who played the game for all the right reasons, always happy to talk with a smile to anyone after games etc. He will always be known as the Piano Mover, as he was employed as a removalist, and I think once said moving pianos helped bulk him up.

Rugby has lost one the real good un's!!!!

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Should've been an All Black but probably did more for Samoan & world rugby by never being one. As they say, a giant has fallen in the forest. Haere Ra, big guy.

 

[Jets]

Was a true legend and put Samoan rugby on the map. One of the great highlights of the 91 RWC was their victory over Wales in Wales.

 

[Bullrush]

So many of us young Samoans growing up in that 90's era will remember him fondly. A great guy and a great player. Tofa soifua Fats…..save some Palm corned beef for the rest of us hamos uso.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I remember him well. He was the standard bearer for Samoan rugby for a long time and played a huge part in putting them on the map. Vale Peter.