Wallace Sititi will captain the Gallagher Chiefs this weekend when they take on the Auckland Blues in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash at their home ground, FMG Stadium Waikato.

The 22-year-old, son of former Manu Samoa captain Lemalu Semo Sititi, described the appointment as a “massive blessing and an honour.”

Speaking to Gallagher Chiefs media after receiving the news, Wallace said one of the first people he called was his father, describing him as someone “who knows a thing or two about leadership.”

For Lemalu, who understands the demands of leadership at the highest level, the news was a proud moment for the family.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Lemalu said he was a proud dad and that he is “hoping that the role doesn't affect his performance.” While he said he was proud, Lemalu also admitted that he worries about his son at the same time.

Asked what he had told his son over the phone, Lemalu replied: “Play his normal game, perform to the best of his ability and enjoy the moment.” Heading into this weekend’s clash against the Blues, Wallace said he would carry his culture and beliefs with him.

“The reason I have this is because of my family and those who have come before me,” he said. “I’ve got my culture and my beliefs, and that's what's going to drive me through this journey as well. I'm going to need to lean on that this weekend.”

The Gallagher Chiefs are second on the table while the Blues are third, making it a crucial game for Wallace to lead. Wallace joined the Gallagher Chiefs wider training squad in 2023 and was part of the Chiefs Development XV team.

In 2024, he earned a full-time contract with the Gallagher Chiefs and had a breakout season that saw him named in the All Blacks squad the same year. He was later announced as the All Black player of the year.