Farewell Kieron Fonotia
Kieron Fonotia (Mako # 90) has played 64 matches for Tasman since 2011, scoring 11 tries as an outstanding outside centre.
Fonz, as he is affectionately known, is one of the Makos most reliable players and was an integral member of the team that won the 2013 Championship. He was also named in the reserves for Tasman’s Team of the Decade.
This will be his last season before heading off to Ospreys in Wales on a two year contract.
You are now one of the Makos senior players, only 4 players in the squad have played before you did. What does being a Mako mean to you?
It’s a team I am so proud to say I’m a part of. I love putting on the jersey and playing for my family, mates and the region.
Who are the standout players you’ve played with at the Makos (and Crusaders), and who are the real characters?
I always loved playing alongside Ryan Crotty and Tom Marshall. I’ve got huge respect and learned so much from them. And then there’s Marty Banks. He’s someone I can always have a joke with while respecting what he does on the field.
You have scored some important tries for the Makos, are there any tries you have scored or set up that stand out in your mind?
None stands out more than the one against Canterbury in 2012 to win the match in Nelson. That win seemed to give us all huge belief that we were a good team. We went on to win the 2013 Championship and made the 2014 Premiership final. The other big memory is scoring on debut for the Crusaders against the Stormers, which being a New Brighton boy, was a dream come true.
What are you hoping to achieve in your time in Wales, and what is your plan once playing rugby is over and done with for you?
I’m really looking forward to a change of environment and learning different ways to play the game. Hopefully I can use my experiences to play some of my best rugby over there. When the rugby dream is over I plan to become a police officer.
Any last words to for the Makos faithful?
I want to say thank you to everyone at Tasman for giving me the opportunity to chase my dream. It’s been an unreal ride and I’ve met some people I will call my mates for life. Thank you everyone for all your support at our games.
