Neemia Tialata
A powerhouse prop who anchored the All Blacks' scrum for half a decade before shaping the next generation of New Zealand rugby talent.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Rugby player·Birthday: July 15·Millennials
Biography
Neemia Tialata's journey is one of quiet force. Born in Wellington to Samoan parents, his path to the black jersey was forged in the trenches of the front row. A massive, yet surprisingly mobile tighthead prop, Tialata became the bedrock of the Hurricanes' scrum in Super Rugby and earned his All Blacks debut in 2005. For the next six years, he was a constant in the squad, amassing over 40 test caps in an era of fierce competition for the number 3 shirt. His game was defined by raw power and a workmanlike attitude, doing the unglamorous core duties that allowed flashier backs to shine. After stints in France with Toulouse and Narbonne, he returned to his roots in Wellington. Now, as Director of Rugby at Wellington College, he and former teammate Piri Weepu are imparting the lessons of discipline and structure learned at the highest level to young players.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Neemia was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Neemia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Neemia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned 43 test caps for the New Zealand All Blacks between 2005 and 2010.
- Was a key member of the Hurricanes Super Rugby squad for over a decade.
- Played for the prestigious French club Stade Toulousain in the Top 14 league.
- Currently serves as the Director of Rugby at Wellington College, overseeing the rugby program.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of former Samoa international rugby player Jeremy Tomuli.
Tialata played his provincial rugby for Wellington in the NPC, winning the title with them in 2000.
He shares his coaching role at Wellington College with former All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu.
“The scrum is where the game is won, a matter of respect and force.”
