Solomone Kata
A powerhouse centre whose explosive running and bone-crunching tackles made him a fan favourite in both rugby league and union.
Born 1994 (age 32)·New Zealand and Tonga dual-code international rugby footballer·Birthday: December 3·Millennials
Biography
Born in Tonga and raised in New Zealand, Solomone Kata's journey is a testament to raw, unbridled power finding a home in two different rugby codes. He first announced himself to the world in the NRL with the New Zealand Warriors, where his aggressive, line-breaking style made him an instant cult hero. In a bold career shift, he crossed codes to rugby union, signing with the Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership. This transition showcased not just his physical adaptability but a deep determination to test his skills at the highest levels of both games. For Tonga, he represents a crucial piece of their rising international stature, embodying the fierce pride and physicality that defines Pacific Island rugby. His career path is a modern rugby narrative, blurring the lines between league and union with sheer force of will.
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.
Solomone was born in 1994, 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 Solomone Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Solomone's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors in 2015, quickly becoming a regular starter.
- Represented Tonga in rugby league at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
- Successfully transitioned to rugby union, signing with English Premiership giants Leicester Tigers in 2022.
- Earned selection for the Tonga national rugby union team, achieving dual-code international status.
Did You Know?
He was a talented track and field athlete in his youth, competing in shot put.
His nickname among fans and teammates is 'Solo'.
He played his first professional rugby union match for Leicester Tigers against the Stormers in the 2022-23 season.
“My strength comes from my islands, and I carry it onto the field.”
