Iliesa Tora
RNZ Pacific senior sports
journalist
Feature: God and
family are the two key elements that the Bower family of
Taita in Lower Hutt, Wellington, build their lives
around.
These values were central to the upbringing of
current All Black George Bower, something his family
believes has kept the eldest sibling ticking.
They are
what his proud parents, dad Niko and mum Kula, point to as
the forces that have kept their son’s dream alive in a tough
and competitive All Blacks environment.
“His real
edge? Faith and family values,” Niko says. “Kiwiraised
with Fijian heart. He knows his strength comes from
above.”
Niko and Kula are pivotal personnel in the
family’s church community in Aotearoa’s capital, as well as
the wider Fijian community. They are also a closely-knit
family and a big part of their own Avalon Rugby Club, where
Niko played in his younger days.
It is the same club
where George and his younger siblings, Koli and William, and
other family members played for or a playing
for.
Special
George, 34, played his 26th Test
match for the All Blacks on Saturday, in which the All
Blacks defeated Italy 47-17 at Hnry Stadium.
He came
off the bench as a substitute in the 49th minute, replacing
starting prop Ethan de Groot.
On the stand that night,
braving the cold Wellington afternoon, were his dad and mum,
who have been basically following their eldest son around,
supporting him from the grandstand whenever they can.On the
stand also with them were other family members.
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Niko
says George taking on the field in Wellington on the day was
special for them.
“So proud and thankful, just
watching him and seeing all his hard work and prayers pay
off. We sat together and other family members cheering. Born
and bred here in Taita, Lower Hutt, Wellington, means so
much to him and us.”
Family means a lot to the
Bower’s, who have paternal ties through their dad Niko to
Vagadaci village in Ovalau Island and maternal links to
Nakelo in Tailevu, Fiji.
In the Pasifika context,
family runs deep and wide and Saturday afternoon saw a whole
clan on the grandstand cheering for
George.
Recall
George was first selected as a
squad member in 2020 but did not get to play his first Test
until 2021 against Tonga.
Then there years without
being considered at all, until 12 months ago when he was
brought into the squad as injury cover for his Crusaders
teammate Tamaiti Williams, in squad to play
France.
“I’m very excited. It’s my first time in 2025
pulling on the black jersey, but also my first time in a
long time,” Bower said then to RNZ.
“My last test was
in 2022 against England over there. It’s been three years of
grind and hard work to get back into the team. I’m super
grateful to be back here and hopefully getting an
opportunity on Saturday.”
Under a new coaching team,
the All Blacks prospects in New Zealand and abroad were
curious to find out who head coach Dave Rennie was going to
announce in his 32 member squad.
In Taita, the Bower
family turned the TV on and watched the announcement three
weeks ago, eager to find out if their son was going to be
second time lucky in 12 months.
“[I was] very happy
for him and thrilled when his name came up,” Niko
shares.
“[A lot] of high fives, happy tears and joy.
We know how tough selection is and that proves hard work and
trusting God really does pay off.”
Never gives
up
Niko says George has never given up trying, even
when he was not considered for the All Blacks between 2023
and 2025.
In that time the tough prop, who can play
both as a tight-head and loosehead, kept at his game,
playing for Otago in the National Provincial Championship
and the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific.
“He never
stops trying harder,” he said.
Being the only Fijian
heritage player in the current squad makes George extra
special.
Last year, he had three others of Fijian
heritage with him – fellow Crusaders player Sevu Reece, who
is soon to be on his way to France for a new contract,
Chiefs winger Eoni Narawa and Highlanders co-captain Timoci
Tavatavanawai.
He, however, has captain Ardie Savea,
and 10 other players with Pasifika heritage, as a strong
representation of the Pacific diaspora in the current All
Blacks squad.
Niko says representing family, the vanua
(Fiji) and the diaspora acrosss New Zealand is a huge
calling, while also having to shoulder the honour of playing
for New Zealand and all that have made the country their
home.
But he adds George knows the expectations,
especially setting the example for yonger Fijian and
Pasifika heritage players who might want to follow in his
and others’ footsteps.
“Huge for our young ones! Shows
you belong here – you can make it and keep your culture and
faith too,” he said of younger prospects’
opportunities.
“Work hard, trust God – just like he
did.”
George and the All Blacks will take on Ireland
in their final Nations Championship game at home.
One
thing is certain – the Bowers will be there, on the stand or
cheering from home in
Taita!
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