# Lifeimi Mafi

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{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name            = Lifeimi Mafi
| image           = Lifemi Mafi Munster back.jpg
| image_size      =
| caption         = image of Lifeimi Mafi on pitch after a match, was a rugby player.
| full_name       = Lifeimi Olotolangi Mafi
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|1982|08|15|df=y}}
| birth_place     = [Nukuʻalofa](/source/Nuku%CA%BBalofa), Tonga
| height          = {{convert|183|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| weight          = {{convert|90|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school          = [Palmerston North Boys' High School](/source/Palmerston_North_Boys'_High_School)
| position        = [Centre](/source/Centre_(rugby_union)), [Wing](/source/Wing_(rugby_union))
| currentclub     = 
| youthyears1     = 
| youthclubs1     = 
| years1          = 2002–2018
| clubs1          = [Manawatu](/source/Manawatu_Rugby_Union)
| apps1           = 25
| points1         = 35
| years2          = 2004–2006
| clubs2          = [Taranaki](/source/Taranaki_Rugby_Football_Union)
| apps2           = 25
| points2         = 25
| years3          = 2006–2012
| clubs3          = [Munster](/source/Munster_Rugby)
| apps3           = 141
| points3         = 70
| years4          = 2012–2018
| clubs4          = [Perpignan](/source/USA_Perpignan)
| apps4           = 151
| points4         = 90
| repyears1       = 2002–2003
| repteam1        = [New Zealand U21](/source/New_Zealand_national_under-21_rugby_union_team)
| repcaps1        = 9
| reppoints1      = 10
| clubupdate      = 12 May 2020
| repupdate       = 12 May 2020
| repsevensyears1 = 2003–2005
| repsevensteam1  = [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand_national_rugby_sevens_team)
| repsevenscomp1  = 8
| ru_sevensupdate = 12 May 2020 
}}

'''Lifeimi Mafi''' (born 15 August 1982) is a Tongan-born, New Zealand former [rugby union](/source/rugby_union) player.

==Career in New Zealand==
Born in [Nukuʻalofa](/source/Nuku%CA%BBalofa), [Tonga](/source/Tonga), Mafi initially played his club rugby with [Kia Toa](/source/Kia_Toa_RFC) (Kia Toa is a Māori term which translates to "be brave"), based in the suburb of [Awapuni, Palmerston North](/source/Awapuni%2C_Palmerston_North). It is one of the oldest clubs in Manawatu, and produced former Munster [fullback](/source/Fullback_(rugby_union)) [Christian Cullen](/source/Christian_Cullen), [Bristol](/source/Bristol_Bears) [number 8](/source/Number_8_(rugby_union)) [Dan Ward-Smith](/source/Dan_Ward-Smith), and former [Black Ferns](/source/New_Zealand_women's_national_rugby_union_team) captain [Farah Palmer](/source/Farah_Palmer). He represented [Manawatu](/source/Manawatu_Rugby_Union) in 2003, before moving to [Taranaki](/source/Taranaki_Rugby_Union) in 2004 in time to play the [British and Irish Lions](/source/British_and_Irish_Lions) in 2005. He made 25 appearances for Taranaki, and was named their "Back of the Season" in 2006. Mafi was also called into the [Hurricanes](/source/Hurricanes_(Super_Rugby)) squad in 2006 as replacement for the injured [Conrad Smith](/source/Conrad_Smith), although he never took the field in a [Super Rugby](/source/Super_Rugby) match.

Mafi represented New Zealand at U19 and U21 level. He played alongside players of the calibre of [Ben Atiga](/source/Ben_Atiga), [Jimmy Cowan](/source/Jimmy_Cowan), [John Afoa](/source/John_Afoa), [Stephen Donald](/source/Stephen_Donald) and [Sam Tuitupou](/source/Sam_Tuitupou) in the 2003 U21 RWC against Australia. Mafi was also part of the 2005 New Zealand Sevens squad which won the World Series, and played alongside Maori captain [Liam Messam](/source/Liam_Messam), and [All Blacks](/source/All_Blacks) [Joe Rokocoko](/source/Joe_Rokocoko), [Isaia Toeava](/source/Isaia_Toeava) and [Rudi Wulf](/source/Rudi_Wulf).

==Munster==
Mafi's first appearance in a Munster jersey came during the close, hard fought win against [Leicester Tigers](/source/Leicester_Tigers) at [Welford Road](/source/Welford_Road_Stadium) in Round 1 of the [2006–07 Heineken Cup](/source/2006%E2%80%9307_Heineken_Cup). Mafi was only on the pitch for a few minutes, but during that time he found himself on the wrong end of a trademark hit from Fijian centre [Seru Rabeni](/source/Seru_Rabeni).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/275.php|title=Munster make perfect start to Heineken Cup defence|date=22 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005160934/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/275.php|archivedate=5 October 2010}}</ref> However, Mafi's home debut in [Thomond Park](/source/Thomond_Park), in the trouncing of French outfit Bourgoin, was more impressive. Sprung from the bench with 10 minutes to go, a scintillating break and hand-off resulted in a try for substitute hooker [Andi Kyriacou](/source/Andi_Kyriacou).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/272.php|title=Five try Munster on song|date=28 October 2006|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005191512/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/272.php|archivedate=5 October 2010}}</ref>

Mafi first got on the scoresheet himself in the narrow away defeat to the [Dragons](/source/Dragons_(rugby_union)), a game in which he scored two tries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/310.php|title=Munster's Dismal Welsh Form Continues|date=5 January 2007|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616111244/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/310.php|archive-date=16 June 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also finished a crucial score in the Heineken Cup round 5 game away to [Bourgoin](/source/CS_Bourgoin-Jallieu), and ran 50 metres to score his final try of the season at [Musgrave Park](/source/Musgrave_Park%2C_Cork) in the end of season game against [Glasgow Warriors](/source/Glasgow_Warriors). In all, Mafi scored 4 tries in 16 starts in his first season, but was criticised for his defensive decisions, often rushing out of the defensive line and leaving a space for opponents to exploit.

His second season in Munster was drastically more successful, even though he only managed 2 tries throughout. The presence of Māori [Rua Tipoki](/source/Rua_Tipoki) had a calming effect on Mafi's defensive play, and the Munster centre partnership of Mafi-Tipoki was not exposed as much as the previous season's combination of [Barry Murphy](/source/Barry_Murphy_(rugby_player)) and Mafi, or [Trevor Halstead](/source/Trevor_Halstead) and Mafi. Despite only scoring 3 tries between them in the victorious [2007–08 Heineken Cup](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_Heineken_Cup) campaign, their understanding of each other's play was crucial to Munster's success. Their attacking play was epitomised by Tipoki's score against [Wasps](/source/Wasps_RFC) in round 1 of the Heineken Cup at the [Ricoh Arena](/source/Ricoh_Arena), which was created by Mafi. Mafi himself scored a vital try away to French side [Clermont](/source/ASM_Clermont_Auvergne), which secured a crucial losing bonus point which safe guarded Munster's passage to the quarter-finals. Mafi and Tipoki formed Munster's vital centre partnership as they went on to capture their second Heineken Cup crown in May 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/284.php|title=Munster Champions of Europe|date=24 May 2008|work=munsterrugby.ie|accessdate=9 September 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100930044434/http://munsterrugby.ie/rugby/284.php|archivedate=30 September 2010}}</ref> Mafi was nominated for Munster Player of the Year for the 2007–08 season, and in stark contrast to his debut in Welford Road, [Toulouse](/source/Stade_Toulousain) centre [Yannick Jauzion](/source/Yannick_Jauzion) and [Gloucester](/source/Gloucester_Rugby) hooker [Andy Titterell](/source/Andy_Titterell) found themselves at the end of crunching tackles from the Kiwi Centre. However, Tipoki's departure at the end of the 2008–09 season led to a short lapse in Mafi's form for Munster.

The 2010–11 season saw a great deal of competition for places in the Munster team, with [Sam Tuitupou](/source/Sam_Tuitupou), [Johne Murphy](/source/Johne_Murphy) and [Keith Earls](/source/Keith_Earls) all competing with Mafi for centre places, and as a result Mafi spent some of the season either on the bench or dropped entirely. However, the latter half of the season saw a resurgence in his form on the pitch, and Mafi nailed down the 12 jersey. He often cooperated with [Johne Murphy](/source/Johne_Murphy) or [Keith Earls](/source/Keith_Earls), but, towards the end of the season, he played with [Paul Warwick](/source/Paul_Warwick_(rugby_union)) and [Danny Barnes](/source/Danny_Barnes_(rugby_union)). The 2010–11 season also saw Mafi win his 100th cap for Munster,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |title=No Consolation From Munster's Point |date=19 December 2010 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222020709/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/8428.php |archivedate=22 December 2010 }}</ref> and he was an integral part of the team that triumphed over [Ospreys](/source/Ospreys_(rugby_union)) and [Leinster](/source/Leinster_Rugby) as Munster secured the 2010–11 Magners League.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |title=Munster Crowned Magners League Champions |date=28 May 2011 |work=munsterrugby.ie |accessdate=9 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720120951/http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/9094.php |archivedate=20 July 2011 }}</ref>

Contrary to a persistent rumour, having played IRB 7s for New Zealand, Mafi was never eligible to play for Ireland.<ref name="IRB">{{cite web|url=http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |title=IRB Eligibility Rules |accessdate=2008-05-28 |author=IRB |date=Jan 2000 |publisher=IRB |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518112940/http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/0/060924gfirbregulation8_883.pdf |archivedate=18 May 2011 }}</ref> He is however, considered an honorary Munsterman and is known as Larry Murphy to the Thomond faithful. He formerly represented New Zealand 7s, U19s & U21s before joining the Irish province in October 2006. The centre is a holder of a Tongan passport, meaning he is not regarded as an "overseas" player in either the [Celtic League](/source/United_Rugby_Championship) or [Heineken Cup](/source/European_Rugby_Champions_Cup), which allowed him to take to the field alongside Munster's other "overseas" players such as New Zealand's top international try scorer [Doug Howlett](/source/Doug_Howlett).

==Perpignan==
Mafi's move to French [Top 14](/source/Top_14) side [Perpignan](/source/USA_Perpignan) was announced by then-Munster coach [Tony McGahan](/source/Tony_McGahan) in an interview on 22 March 2012. He joined Perpignan for the start of the 2012–13 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0322/1224313697535.html|title=O'Connell and Murray on target for return against Ulster|date=22 March 2012|work=The Irish Times|accessdate=22 March 2012}}</ref> Mafi made his debut for Perpignan on 18 August 2012, in the first round of the [2012–13 Top 14](/source/2012%E2%80%9313_Top_14_season) against [Toulon](/source/RC_Toulonnais).

==Return to New Zealand==
Mafi and his family returned to New Zealand after he left Perpignan at the end of the [2017–18 Top 14 season](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_Top_14_season), with Mafi rejoining [Manawatu Turbos](/source/Manawatu_Rugby_Union) for the [2018 Mitre 10 Cup](/source/2018_Mitre_10_Cup).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/105115789/lifeimi-mafi-set-for-longawaited-manawat-return|title=Lifeimi Mafi set for long-awaited Manawatū return|date=29 June 2018|publisher=[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))|accessdate=5 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/105725672/Lifeimi-Mafi-can-t-wait-to-take-place-in-Turbos-backline-after-long-absence|title=Lifeimi Mafi can't wait to take place in Turbos backline after long absence|date=25 July 2018|publisher=[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))|accessdate=5 October 2018}}</ref> He retired from rugby upon the conclusion of Manawatu's involvement in the competition.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mitre10cup.co.nz/News/34478/reinvigorated-manawatu-ready-for-2019|title=Reinvigorated Manawatu ready for 2019|date=30 July 2019|work=Mitre 10 Cup|accessdate=12 September 2019}}</ref>

==Honours==

===Munster===
*[Heineken Cup](/source/European_Rugby_Champions_Cup) Winner : [2007–08](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_Heineken_Cup)
*[Celtic League](/source/United_Rugby_Championship) Winner : [2008–09](/source/2008%E2%80%9309_Celtic_League), [2010–11](/source/2010%E2%80%9311_Celtic_League)

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://munsterrugby.ie/player?PlayGuid=LM829313 Munster Profile]
*{{ESPNscrum|27698}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mafi, Lifeimi}}
Category:1982 births
Category:Living people
Category:Rugby union players from Nukuʻalofa
Category:Rugby union players from Tongatapu
Category:Tongan rugby union players
Category:Tongan expatriate rugby union players in New Zealand
Category:Manawatu rugby union players
Category:Taranaki rugby union players
Category:Munster Rugby players
Category:USA Perpignan players
Category:Rugby union centres
Category:Australian expatriate rugby union players in France
Category:People educated at Palmerston North Boys' High School
Category:New Zealand male rugby sevens players
Category:New Zealand international rugby sevens players

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lifeimi Mafi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifeimi_Mafi) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifeimi_Mafi?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.