Tuna Tuitama is one of the two local Manu Samoa players who have signed with Moana Pasifika for the Super Rugby season.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, he said he owes everything to God.

"I just want to thank God for this opportunity. I am very happy, and my heart is full. Another door has opened up for me to enhance my rugby career and learn more about the sport that God has gifted me with," he said.

"But it's not all sunshine, there are also challenges that come with it. The main one for me is the injury risk. The nature of the sport, and there are a lot of risks and accidents that can happen during the game. 

"There are also a lot of talented players in a team, so the selection is really tough. So that's why it is really important for me as a player to train hard, put in all the efforts, be consistent with my diet and always put God first in everything that I do."

Tuna usually plays on the wing. He mentioned that rugby plays a huge role in raising his family. Rugby has provided for him financially and he is able to help his wife in raising their two kids. Rieko Ioane is his role model in rugby.

"I am unemployed but playing rugby as a professional has helped me in so many ways, especially with my family."

"My favourite player in rugby is Rieko Ioane of the All Blacks. I want to be just like him."

Tuna is 24 years old from the villages of Mulifanua and Faleasiu. He was selected from the rugby schools competition. He first donned the national jumper as a sevens player where he has shone on the World Sevens Series.

He is currently training with the Manu Samoa XV for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.

Melani Matavao will also join him at Moana Pasifika.