Iliesa Tora RNZ Pacific senior sports journalist
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.
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!
This story was originally published by RNZ.
