Six years ago Siegfried Fisi'ihoi was deported back to Tonga, worried his rugby ambitions wouldn't work out.
Last weekend he was taking the field for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, and his sporting dreams were officially turning into reality.
The 28‑year‑old prop got 14 minutes off the bench in the Chiefs' 53‑10 hammering of the Force in Hamilton, and the opportunity to debut at this level is a moment he will cherish forever, having managed to get a second chance in NZ.
Fisi'ihoi's status as an overstayer was discovered when he was arrested for a minor liquor ban breach in 2010.
Fisi'ihoi had to leave behind his then‑partner and two‑year‑old son. But they did go and visit, and got the chance to meet his family in Tonga. That time spent together was seen to be in Fisi'ihoi's favour when he successfully re‑applied to go back to New Zealand the following year, showing that it wasn't just a marriage of convenience.
The Chiefs play the Brumbies at 8.40pm Saturday.
