| Birth date | 3 July 2003 (age 23) |
|---|---|
| Birth place | California, United States |
| Height | 193 cm (6 ft 4 in) |
| Weight | 127 kg (280 lb; 20 st 0 lb) |
| Position | Prop |
| Years 1 | 2025 |
| Apps 1 | 15 |
| Points 1 | 0 |
| Years 2 | 2025– |
| Apps 2 | 0 |
| Points 2 | 0 |
| Years 3 | 2026– |
| Repyears 1 | 2025– |
| Repteam 1 | United States |
| Repcaps 1 | 3 |
| Reppoints 1 | 0 |
| Clubupdate | 9 December 2025 |
| Repupdate | 9 December 2025 |
Maliu Niuafe (born 3 July 2003) is an American rugby union player, currently playing for the in Major League Rugby (MLR). His preferred position is prop.[1]
Early career
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]
Professional career
Niuafe signed his first professional contract for 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 squad for the 2025 Bunnings NPC.[7] He signed for the 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]
References
- ^ "Maliu Niuafe". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "New faces as Eagle pool for PNC named". Goff Rugby Report. 15 August 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "Under-18 camps to reach into communities". Blues. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "U20 wider squad". Blues. 9 February 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "New Zealand Under 20 squad named for the World Rugby U20 Championship". NZ Rugby. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "RFCLA Roster Set for MLR 2025". Our Sports Central. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "Ready to Dance in 2025". 21 July 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Three new additions, each bringing a different edge to 2026". 8 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
- ^ "USA qualify for World Cup with big win over Samoa". Americas Rugby News. 14 September 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.