| Born | 3 July 2003 California, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 127 kg (280 lb; 20 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Maliu Niuafe (born 3 July 2003) is an American rugby union player, currently playing for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR). His preferred position is prop. [1]
Niuafe was born in California, but raised in New Zealand. [2] He attended Aorere College in Auckland and represented the Blues academy at U18 and U20 level. [3] [4] He was named in the New Zealand U20 side in 2023. [5]
Niuafe signed his first professional contract for RFC Los Angeles ahead of the 2025 Major League Rugby season. [6] He would make fifteen appearances in his first season, before returning to New Zealand in the off-season, where he was named in the Auckland squad for the 2025 Bunnings NPC. [7] He signed for the New England Free Jacks ahead of the 2026 Major League Rugby season. [8]
Niuafe made his debut for the United States national team in September 2025, debuting against Samoa. [9]