College hooper to Super Rugby: Tevita Latu’s long road to Moana Pasifika

Tevita Latu took a roundabout route to Super Rugby.
Photo: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Moana Pasifika midfielder Tevita Latu has taken one of the more unusual routes to Super Rugby.

A duel-sporting star in high school, Latu was not short on offers upon leaving Pakuranga College.

With both rugby and basketball career paths in front him, Latu chose the court, playing college basketball in the Philippines.

But after struggling with homesickness in the Philippines, he returned to Aotearoa and switching back to his first sporting love.

Back home, there were challenges of different kind for Latu. He admits he was not ready for the demands of pro rugby, and bounced around the provinces.

The 27-year-old spent four years in Southland, and a season in Northland and Canterbury before Moana came calling.

“I didn’t really know what it took to be a professional rugby player and to have all these obstacles, you can take the wrong path, and then you learn from it. But I wouldn’t change it for a thing now. I think it’s moulded me into the person I am today.”

Latu said he struggled with off field discipline during his early years in the NPC.

“Just living life, and diet in the off season. But that’s what got me here, I’ve learned from those mistakes.”

Latu earned his first NPC contract with Southland in 2020.
Photo: Photosport

Self doubt had also been a barrier for the Moana midfielder, something he said his parents helped him to overcome.

“I think definitely have pushed through it. They’ve always believed in my abilities to be here, especially when I don’t really believe in myself.”

Family has been a key grounding force for Latu, having become a father in early 2025.

“I’ve got a baby boy now and that’s helped. Playing full-time and being a dad at the same time, it’s been cool.”

Latu also has senior figures within the squad to lean on for advice, including former All Blacks Julian Savea and Ngani Laumape.

Latu made the move north to the Taniwha in 2024.
Photo: Photosport

“I have no problems going to them, asking any questions. They probably get annoyed because I ask so many. That’s the sort of experience that they tend to bring.”

His sporting career was on an entirely different trajectory out of high school.

A rugby and basketball star, Latu opted to take up a scholarship to play college ball in Manila.

“It was just a big shock,” he said.

“It was my first time moving out of home and didn’t know much about the country and was so fixed on how Americans go about their college life, then get to the Philippines was completely different, the lifestyle there was pretty different, but that was pretty cool.”

Feeling homesick, Latu returned home but said he has no regrets about his time overseas.

“I just thought I’d give it a crack, and I’m happy I did.”

The basketball gene runs strong in the Latu whanau, his younger brother Noa currently playing for the Auckland Tuatara.

Latu was playing NPC for Canterbury when he was signed by Moana Pasifika.
Photo: www.photosport.nz

Now settled back in his hometown on his first Super Rugby contract, Latu said Moana are determined not to let the standards of 2025 slip, despite a rough start to the season which has seen them sink to the bottom of the table.

“I think we’ve always had a point to prove. From day one, they’ve kind of had to show that they actually belong here, so it hasn’t been anything different to us. What’s different is just the sense of urgency from us now.”

The side has been battling with plenty of off field distractions as well, including the speculation that their coach Tana Umaga is set to be snapped up by the new All Blacks regime.

“It’d be pretty cool to see him get the promotion. I think the club would be real gutted to lose him, but I know he’ll have the full backing of the team if he does go on. We haven’t really made him look too flash lately, I think that’s on us to get him that backing from the people. If they do question why he’s being selected, we need to do a job send him off in the right way.”

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