"We always felt that if Beegee (Williams) could do it, there's no reason why, you know, snotty nose little Michael Jones from that household of 12 or 13 Pacific Islanders living out in Henderson, there was no reason I couldn't be like Beegee and do what he did either." In the documentary, La'auli Sir Michael Jones said he grew up in a generation of Kiwi-Samoans where Williams was such a powerful force in his life. "She didn't like seeing us get hurt." The influence of Beegee He also revealed that during his entire rugby playing career, his mother has only watched three of his games. Williams also features in the documentary and said his parents were supportive of his rugby career. "They were the most emotional when they were talking about their parents … literally every single one of them teared up talking about their mum, their love for their mum especially, and their dad and grandparents." The documentary shows a level of vulnerability that Tauamiti says is rare and goes deeper than rugby sound bites. "They shared some really heartfelt moments and spoke about their childhood and losses, and spoke about situations where they didn't handle things the best all the time." Tauamiti said it was about getting on the same level as the players, giving them their platform to speak freely. Piutau's decision to take a lucrative overseas contract, as it was the best move for his family, did not go down well with the All Black hierarchy and he was not selected for the Rugby World Cup. Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau express their rollercoaster of emotions and detail the sacrifices they've made throughout their careers. Williams' emotional response is mirrored by the vulnerability of the players in the documentary. So that was really special."įormer All Blacks Sir Bryan Williams and Ofisa Tonu'u catch up after the New Zealand Barbarians Legends v Pacific Legends game in 2019. Tauamiti said they got the big tick from Williams, who also gave them a big hug and fatherly kiss. "Because it just talks about the ups and downs really, of all the obstacles that have been faced and had to be overcome to enable our boys and girls to achieve at the very highest level of the game of rugby." "I'm sure that when people see it, particularly our people, they'll become pretty emotional about it as well. He was moved to tears by the documentary, which can now be viewed on TVNZ+. Williams became an All Black in 1970 and toured South Africa that year, and in 1976, during the height of apartheid. Williams - who carries the name Tuifa'asisina as his Samoan chief title - saw the Pacific rugby documentary at a private viewing, ahead of the screening on TVNZ1.ĭirector Fa'alava'au Jeremiah Tauamiti says it was important to him that Williams - a former All Black winger - saw it first and that he liked it. When Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams watched Family Faith Footy - A Pasifika Rugby Story, it brought him to tears. Bryan Williams at his peak with the All Blacks Photo: Courtesy of Sir Bryan Williams
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