It is a proud moment for the Sititi family as their All Blacks son, Wallace Sititi is the only Samoan nominated for an award at the upcoming World Rugby Awards in November. 

Wallace was one of the four players to be nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year alongside, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu from South Africa, Immanuel Feyi-Waboso from England and Jamie Osborne from Ireland.

There are 28 international players shortlisted for the World Rugby Awards. Wallace Sititi is the only Samoan amongst the 28 and the only All Black to have made the shortlist. 

Sititi's father Lemalu Semo Sititi shared his joy and pride over his son's nomination in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

"A proud moment for all of us, I'm sure, all of his uncles, aunties, families and all the Samoans,"  said Lemalu. 

Unexpecting the nomination, Lemalu acknowledged his son's hard work throughout this year's test matches, adding that it was his son who had accomplished something great.

"I think it was all based on what he's done in the past with all the previous games," said Lemalu.

Unable to grab comments from the player himself, his father added that the nomination means a lot to Wallace. 

"He was only doing the job he was told to by the coaches. That's the reason why he has been recommended as a nominee," added Lemalu. 

Sititi's older sister, Maruseana said she couldn't be prouder of her little brother pursuing what he loves doing the most despite many who doubted him.

"God had big plans for him and my brother worked hard behind the scenes. It takes a village to raise a child, and with Wallace, he walks with the support of our village, church community and families alongside him,"  said Maruseana.

"To see him honour our parent’s legacy, and create a legacy of his own is very special. God is so good, Vi’ia Le Ali’i." 

Lemalu acknowledged the challenges Wallace faced, particularly with the hard hits he's taken this year, but believes this nomination will drive him through future challenges. 

"This is his first time. He's not used to it, but for him to be getting this far, it's big," said Lemalu.

He hopes Wallace's achievement will inspire other young Samoans to pursue their dreams in sports.

"But it's up to individuals if they want to go through that pathway," added Lemalu.

The World Rugby Awards ceremony, scheduled for 24 November in Monaco, France will celebrate the best in rugby, with nominees across eight categories.