Born: 6 May, 1954 – Nuku’alofa, Tonga Test record: 2 Tests (1979) – 1 try (3 points)
Winger Dick Uluave played two Tests for New Zealand against Great Britain in 1979 to become Manawatu’s first Kiwi and later represented his native Tonga.
Born in Nuku’alofa and showing outstanding promise as a soccer and rugby union player, he moved to New Zealand in 1972. Uluave represented New Zealand Māori at the 1977 Pacific Cup – just a year after taking up rugby league – scoring two tries in victory over Western Australia in the final.
Uluave used his performances in Central Districts’ shock inter-districts triumph in 1979 to win a place on the flank in New Zealand’s line-up for the first Test against the touring Lions. He scored a try on debut in a 16-8 loss at Carlaw Park and featured in the second-Test defeat in Christchurch before missing the third clash.
The flyer continued to represent New Zealand Māori during the first half of the 1980s, then played for Tonga for the first time at the 1986 Pacific Cup.
