Maliu Niuafe
| Born | 3 July 2003 California, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 127 kg (280 lb; 20 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Maliu Niuafe (born 3 July 2003) is an American rugby union player, currently playing for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR). His preferred position is prop.[1]
Early career
Niuafe was born in California, but raised in New Zealand.[2] He attended Aorere College in Auckland and represented the Blues academy at U18 and U20 level.[3][4] He was named in the New Zealand U20 side in 2023.[5]
Professional career
Niuafe signed his first professional contract for RFC Los Angeles ahead of the 2025 Major League Rugby season.[6] He would make fifteen appearances in his first season, before returning to New Zealand in the off-season, where he was named in the Auckland squad for the 2025 Bunnings NPC.[7] He signed for the New England Free Jacks ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season.[8]
Niuafe made his debut for the United States national team in September 2025, debuting against Samoa.[9]
References
- ^ "Maliu Niuafe". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "New faces as Eagle pool for PNC named". Goff Rugby Report. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "Under-18 camps to reach into communities". Blues. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "U20 wider squad". Blues. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand Under 20 squad named for the World Rugby U20 Championship". NZ Rugby. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "RFCLA Roster Set for MLR 2025". Our Sports Central. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ @aucklandrugby; (21 July 2025). "Ready to Dance in 2025". Retrieved 22 July 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ @nefreejacks; (8 December 2025). "Three new additions, each bringing a different edge to 2026". Retrieved 9 December 2025 – via Instagram.
- ^ "USA qualify for World Cup with big win over Samoa". Americas Rugby News. 14 September 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
External links