The Tongan-Hawaiian hooker who played Rugby World Cup after two years as a missionary

The native of Tonga RWC coach spent his formative years in Tongan-Hawaiian hooker alongside Munster prop Roman Salanoa, participated in American football in college, went on a Rugby World Cup trial with the Dragons in Wales, spent two years away from the world serving as a missionary, and then returned to play rugby for Buccaneers in the All-Ireland League? Rugby World Cup 2023 fans can buy Ireland Vs Tonga Tickets from our website.

Well, this is Steveni Lombard’s story.

The amiable, intelligent 23-year-old pondered on his global travels while sitting in a quiet coffee shop in Athlone a week ago. Lombard left this area on Friday to join the Chicago Hounds for the remainder of the Major League Rugby season, but he would want to return if possible. He recently played for Eddie O'Sullivan's Buccaneers during the All-Ireland League season, making an impression as a Tongan-Hawaiian hooker and loosehead prop. Lombard had wanted to receive an opportunity with an Irish province, but for the time being, he is back in the United States pursuing his pro-RWC ambition.

It's amazing that two close friends from the little Tongan-Hawaiian hooker town of Laie, which is located on the coast and 11,811 km away from Athlone, ended themselves playing Rugby World Cup in Ireland. Salanoa has been a member of the team since 2017 and has even represented Ireland this year.

It's amazing to see this person who I grew up with and who I have a strong relationship with mingling with Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, and Dan Sheehan, Lombard said. We had just finished messaging about how we can't believe it when he was called up to the Irish camp.

He stated he was worried, and I added, "You're probably not going to play, just go get us some gear and come back home," out of sheer cheek. He was giggling. I reassured him to be at ease. For me to come play here, he has been a great assistance.

Retrace our steps to the beginning.

The origins of Lombard's last name may be traced back to his Tongan mother and Tongan-Hawaiian hooker father. When Steveni was three years old, they returned permanently to Hawaii after first meeting in Laie and traveling back to Tonga, where he was born. Steveni hasn't been back to the Tonga Rugby World Cup squad, but he plans to go there soon to visit his family. There are a lot of them.

Because each of the four eldest siblings has roughly 10 kids, Steveni hasn't connected with many of his mother's 13 siblings. They recently assisted with the construction of a home on some land we have nearby, he said. Even if I didn't have to construct the home, I'll enter and spend the night there.

According to Polynesian norms, Steveni has a tiny family of two sisters and a brother. His mother works as a carer in a hospice, while his father serves in the Navy in Pearl Harbour. They also possessed a little piece of land where they could carry on the family's farming practices.

Lombard is familiar with Hawaii's reputation as a lovely paradise with fine sand beaches, plenty of sunlight, and warm water. Over 6,000 people live in tiny Laie, where people work hard and have a good time. Rugby World Cup 2023 fans can buy Scotland Vs Tonga Tickets from our website.

The rumors are all real! Lombard, whose residence is just across from the well-known Hukilau Beach, stated. Hawaii is a gorgeous place with wonderful people and delicious cuisine. I don't want to discuss it too much for fear of feeling homesick, yet I'm so glad I'm from there.