Mils Muliaina
Junior Malili "Mils" Muliaina, is a distinguished former professional rugby union player, most notably known for his time with the All Blacks.
Muliaina, who played primarily as a fullback but also as a centre and wing, boasts a remarkable career in rugby, having made over a hundred test appearances for the All Blacks from 2003 to 2011. He was part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and is celebrated for being the second All Black to reach 100 caps, a milestone he achieved during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in 2011.
Muliaina's journey in rugby began at a young age, with his formative years spent at Cargill High School, Southland Boys' High School, and Kelston Boys' High School in Auckland. His exceptional skills were evident early on, as he played for NZ Secondary Schools XV, winning the world championship, and was part of the world champion Under 21 teams in 2000 and 2001. He joined the Auckland Blues in 2001 and was a key player in their Super 12 title win in 2003. Muliaina also brought up his 100th Super Rugby cap with the Chiefs in 2011, showcasing his significant contribution to the sport.
Muliaina's career continued with his move to Connacht in Ireland in 2014 and later to the San Francisco Rush in the US PRO Rugby competition in 2016. His accolades include winning the Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in Sevens Rugby in 2002, being part of the IRB Sevens World Series Champion team, and multiple ITM Cup and Super Rugby championships.
Today, Muliaina's legacy extends beyond the rugby field. He has transitioned into a highly successful career as a motivational speaker, leveraging his experiences and lessons from rugby to deliver powerful presentations on leadership, team dynamics, overcoming adversity, and achieving success. Muliaina's story, from a small town in Samoa to the pinnacle of international rugby, exemplifies determination, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. He is deeply involved in charity initiatives and youth development, advocating for better support systems for aspiring young athletes.
In 2023, Muliaina expressed his excitement and nervousness about the All Blacks' prospects, particularly in the context of their matches against Ireland. He acknowledges the strengths of the Irish team while retaining confidence in the All Blacks. Muliaina's insights into the mental aspects of the game, the importance of strategy, and the emotional legacy of the All Blacks highlight his deep understanding and passion for rugby.
Duration: 45 minutes. 15 minutes Q and A.
Essential Talent arranges a prep call with Mils Muliaina prior to the event, and provides an industry standard agreement for peace of mind.
