Daughters of the Pacific – Vei, Sylvia, and the Game That Carries Us All
On one side of the world, it’ll be Friday night under the lights. On the other, Saturday afternoon in Tāmaki Makaurau. But no matter where you are, this weekend’s clash between the Black Ferns and USA is one to circle, underline, and shout about… especially if you’re Pasifika.
For two proud daughters of the Pacific, Veisinia (Vei) Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt, this isn’t just another test match. It’s legacy in motion.
On Friday, May 23 (Saturday, May 24 NZT), the New Zealand Black Ferns will take the field against the USA Women’s Eagles in the final showdown of the Pacific Four Series at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland. Kickoff is set for 3:35 PM NZT (8:35 PM PT). But before the stadium lights flick on, I had the privilege of sitting down with two young women whose stories transcend sport, stories rooted in culture, sacrifice, and pride.
In this PMN+ exclusive, I spoke with debutant Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and rising star Sylvia Brunt, who has already etched her name into the tapestry of Pacific rugby history.
Sylvia, 21, is of Samoan heritage, born in New Zealand, proudly representing the villages of Fa’atoia, Falelatai, Apia, and Lalomanu. Vei, 20, hails from Hamilton, with deep roots in Tonga and the Cook Islands. Together, they embody the strength and soul of Pasifika athletes, on and off the field.
Just last month, Sylvia was named Pasifika Women’s Breakthrough Player of the Year at the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame. Reflecting on the honor, she shared:
“It’s something very special because being surrounded by so many people that look like us, sound like us and do such amazing things is pretty cool. I didn’t know or appreciate as much as I did before going to the awards night, how great Pasifika excellence is… just even being there and hearing from different people was so special.”
She attended the event with her mother, grandmother, and cousins, a memory she holds close to her heart.
Vei, meanwhile, is a flame on the rise. A standout talent from Hamilton Girls’ High School, she’s already represented Waikato, the Cook Islands, and New Zealand in multiple codes. Now, she stands on the brink of her Black Ferns debut.
“I’ve kinda lost sleep lately about how excited I am,” she said with a beaming smile. “I really can’t wait to play in front of all my family, my friends, and all the people that helped me get here.”
When I asked what it means to step into this legacy, into a team built by Pasifika legends, Vei responded with humility:
“It’s an absolute privilege… It’s awesome to just be in their presence and to be able to learn from them. It’s such a special feeling.”
We spoke about identity, what it means to carry their cultures onto a global stage. For both, their Pasifika roots are a source of strength and purpose.
Sylvia, who joined the squad as one of its youngest players, recalled the cultural lessons that shaped her journey:
“From the beginning, I was taught to respect our elders… I wasn’t used to yelling or talking to people older than me or directing them. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I’m more comfortable, and we have an awesome team environment.”
Vei nodded, reflecting on her family’s journey:
“My parents both migrated from the Islands to come here to have a better life. So for me, the one thing I take is gratitude… to live here and be on this team, and to lead with love off and on the field. All the aspects I’ve learned growing up can be easily brought into this environment.”
When the conversation turned to family, both women spoke with quiet reverence.
Sylvia shared a story many Pacific daughters know well:
“I had to ask my dad to play rugby, but he said no at first because there weren’t any girls’ teams at the time, so I had to play with the boys.”
“School, rugby, and club were out in central [Auckland], and I lived out South. The traffic would be crazy, sometimes I’d be traveling for over an hour… and then trying to do homework, get sleep, and repeat. My parents sacrificed heaps for me and my siblings. Even my siblings sacrificed a lot, they would have to come with me to trainings and wait for me.”
Then she added, softly:
“They did it all out of love, and that’s something I’ll never forget. It’s a reminder I carry with me on the field every time I play.”
Vei was visibly moved:
“Family is everything for me… I relate to everything Sylvia just said. The word she used, ‘sacrifice,’ that’s it. That’s the one.”
“Time is the biggest thing. We don’t get it back, and my family gave up so much of theirs for me. My dad taught me how to play rugby. I wasn’t allowed to play when I was younger, not until I was about 8. I started playing in high school and never looked back. I owe everything to them.”
And this Friday, they’ll be there to witness her dream come true.
I asked them about sisterhood, what it means to be part of this team, surrounded by women who reflect both their athletic dreams and cultural values.
Sylvia answered first:
“I love our team culture, it’s come a long way. If you brought anyone from outside into our team environment, they’d love it. One of the biggest things for us is service. Service to each other, the game, our community, and our supporters.”
“It’s something we love, and it’s not just about being the best athlete, but the best person. We push to be the best versions of ourselves off the field, and that reflects our culture. We sing, we dance, we crack jokes and we’re not shy to be ourselves.”
Vei, though new to the squad, already feels at home:
“I’ve only been in the team for about four weeks, but I feel like I’ve been here for years. Everyone is so kind and welcoming. To see so many Pasifika women around me, it’s just so cool. To see a bit of myself in the faces around me.”
As the match nears, the energy builds. The Ferns are ready. Vei can barely contain it:
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time. The trainings have been tough, but they’ve prepared us. Going out there to play, that’ll be the easy part.”
Sylvia smiled in agreement:
“I’m so excited for our debuts and to play alongside the 7s girls coming back. Last time I played with them was the World Cup and I looked up to them. Just knowing I get to play with them again is pretty cool. I’m excited to play at home, in front of my family and friends, and play the sport we all love.”
They encourage everyone who can to show up, to tune in, to be part of something more than just a match. Because this isn’t just rugby, it’s representation in motion.
Before we wrapped up, I asked them to share a message with each other, something personal, to carry into the game.
Vei turned to Sylvia with a grin:
“I don’t know if you watched her against Canada, but she was the STAR of the show. I would just say, I can’t wait to play with you. Like actuals. We’ve known each other quite a long time… We’ve actually never played together, but I’ve known her a while, so it’s pretty exciting to play with someone young like me. I just can’t wait – it’s such an honor and privilege to play on the same field as her.”
Sylvia to Vei:
“Everybody’s already said it, but it’s even more special because it’s coming from me,” Sylvia said, eyes locked with her teammate. “I already know you’re going to do this. But when you go out and play, play with your heart. You’re very skillful and talented… just express yourself and have fun. And hold out until I come on the field!”
They both burst out laughing, the kind of laugh that only comes from deep friendship and shared dreams. In that moment, two Pasifika daughters side-by-side, at different points in their journey, what we witnessed wasn’t just sport. It was love in action.
To close, I ask: ‘As Black Ferns, what overall message would you give to young Pasifika girls who will be watching you represent Aotearoa and them on the field?’
Vei answered first, her voice steady with pride:
“Reach for the stars. As Pacific Islanders, we all look different – you can be big, small, tall, fast. There’s space for everyone in rugby. Believe you can do it, because you can. Give it a go because anyone can play this game.”
Sylvia followed with a message rooted in faith and fire:
“No dream is too big. If you work hard, stay focused, and always keep the people you love at the center of everything.”
For Fun | A Quick Sideline Chat with the Girlies:
Pre-game hype songs?
🎶 VEI: “Hold Us Together” by H.E.R. & Tauren Wells, “Grown Woman” by Beyoncé
🎶 SYLVIA: “Praise” by Elevation Worship (she loves her gospel bangers)
Go-to post-game meal?
🍗 VEI: A large Zinger Box from KFC
🍔 SYLVIA: KFC or Maccas
— Maccas order: Triple cheeseburger with nuggets on the side
— KFC order: Zinger Box, always
Favorite Pacific music artist of all time?
🎤 VEI: Spawnbreezie
🎤 SYLVIA: Fiji
Whether you’re in the stands in Tāmaki Makaurau or watching from afar, kickoff is at 3:35 PM NZT / 8:35 PM PT… and it’s not just a match. It’s a moment.
This story wasn’t just an interview, it was a celebration. Of sisterhood. Of sacrifice. Of what it means to be proud, strong, and Pasifika. I left reminded of the power in our stories, in our voices, and in the generations that carried us here.
The Black Ferns are more than athletes.
They are daughters. Sisters. Trailblazers.
And when they take that field, they carry us all.
Don’t miss it!!!
