In three seasons, the New Zealander of Tongan origin has asserted himself as one of the best centers in the world under the Toulouse colors.
In the very recent past, Stade Toulousain has been able to attract several leading All Blacks to its ranks. First there was scrum-half Byron Kelleher, versatile three-quarterback Luke McAlister, pillar Charlie Faumuina or even the iconic third row Jerome Kaino. Another New Zealander, less known to the general public and who has never been selected for the national team, has nevertheless managed to make a name for himself and a place in the three-star squad of the Rouge et Noir. Pita Ahki has become, in three seasons, essential at the center of the Toulouse attack. Powerful but player, tough and capable of brilliant shots, he has thus asserted himself as one of the very best centers in the Top 14 and even in the world. A rock in the middle of the field. Even if he sometimes flirts with the limit with his tackles a little high. Total commitment.
“Forfait acté” for the Toulouse player Ntamack for the Top 14 final against La Rochelle
In the Top 14 final on Friday (9 p.m.) against La Rochelle, this former international at 7 will, once again, be one of Toulouse’s main offensive weapons. Maxime Médard praises the importance of his teammate: “In defense, in attack, he reassures everyone. For us, it’s a treat to play with him. In addition, he is someone who is great in a group, humble and respectful.The career of the player of Tongan origin, native of Auckland, however, has not been linear. Far from there. Repeated injuries spoiled his rise, he played only fourteen Super Rugby matches in five seasons (2013-2018) in the southern hemisphere, with the Auckland Blues and the Wellington Hurricanes. Recently, he complained of pain in an Achilles tendon, so the Toulouse staff brooded over him to avoid the slightest glitch.
I am someone who likes to stay in the shadows. I believe it comes from the way I was brought up. For my parents and those around me, the priority is to work hard. The recognition that can come from this is just the icing on the cake
Pita Ahki
After a first European stopover during the 2018-2019 season in the Irish province of Connacht, he landed in the Pink City almost anonymously. But he quickly made his hole. His ability to break through defensive curtains and keep the game going quickly took its toll. Shadow soldier, dark worker in the middle of a blazing three-quarter line. “I am someone who likes to stay in the shadows, he confirms. I believe it comes from the way I was brought up. For my parents and those around me, the priority is to work hard. The recognition that can come from this is just the icing on the cake.»
Back to New Zealand?
How is it that Pita Ahki has fallen through the cracks of the All Blacks? “He’s not All Black, but frankly, on that one, they didn’t have a hollow nose», Had launched the manager Ugo Mola after the final of the last Champions Cup against Stade Rochelais, where the Kiwi had shone. Still under contract until 2024, Ahki is already wondering what to do with his career. And on the possibility of one day being able to wear the black jersey struck with the silver fern. What he has just revealed to our colleagues from Olympic noon : “There is a lot of talk in New Zealand around the All Blacks and centers in selection. It makes me think… What if I was still in the country, or if I had come home? What would happen? What could happen? I am happy today at Stade Toulousain. We’ll see what the future holds. ”
At 28, the powerful center, who has given the full measure of his talent in Haute-Garonne, is asking questions. Especially since his wife Kayla, and his two daughters Stella and Camille, returned to New Zealand in April. Kayla, who is none other than the sister of a renowned former All Black and Toulouse player, Luke McAlister. And who is also an illustrious rugbywoman since she was silver medalist at 7 at the Olympic Games in Rio. Before returning to the country, Pita Ahki is on a mission. He intends to raise a second shield from Brennus after that of 2019 (he had been decisive in the final against Clermont) and achieve the first double European Cup-championship of the Stade Toulousain in the modern era (the club had done so in 1996 in a reduced format without the English clubs). “It can only come back by bringing us the title», Warns, all smiles, his champion wife.
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