Shalom Suniula

Shalom Suniula (born June 5, 1988) is a former rugby league and rugby union player, who played for the Seattle Seawolves in Major League Rugby (MLR), and for the United States national rugby sevens team. He played rugby union for the United States Eagles XV's, USA Sevens, and at club level for Belmont Shore RFC, as a scrum-half or fly-half. His brothers Andrew and Roland Suniula also played rugby for the U.S.^[1]

Shalom Suniula

Suniula in 2014
Personal information
Born	(1988-06-05) June 5, 1988 (age 36) American Samoa
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight	190 lb (13 st 8 lb; 86 kg)
Relative(s)	Roland Suniula (brother), Andrew Suniula (brother)
Rugby league career
Playing information
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P Souths Logan Magpies Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P Junior Kiwis
Rugby union career
Position(s) Scrumhalf, Flyhalf, Center Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2011 Belmont Shore RFC () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2018– Seattle Seawolves 30 (25) International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2014–2016 United States 18 (5) Correct as of 26 June 2016 National sevens team Years Team Comps 2008– United States 41

Suniula previously played representative level rugby league for the New Zealand Junior Kiwis national rugby league team, and at club level for Souths Logan Magpies.

Suniula was a talented play maker who was known for his dangerous side step.^[2] On August 5, 2021, he confirmed his retirement to a decorated rugby career at the age of 33 after winning international honors for the US and two Major League Rugby titles. He joined older brothers Andrew and Roland in retirement.^[3]

Early life

Born in American Samoa, Suniula migrated to New Zealand at a young age, and attended Kelston Boys' High School in Auckland. In 2004 he was selected for the New Zealand Junior Kiwis national rugby league team.^[4] and also played for Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup.^[5]

U.S. national team

Suniula playing for the United States during the 2015 World Cup

During his career, Suniula was among the leading American rugby sevens players on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit in several major statistical categories, including appearances, points scored and goals kicked. For the 2011-12 IRB Sevens World Series, Suniula was captain of the team.

Suniula made his debut for the United States national rugby sevens team at the NAWIRA RWC 7s Qualifier in fall 2008, and became a regular for the US during the 2008-09 IRB Sevens World Series.^[6] Suniula played for the US at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Suniula was the only US player to participate in every tournament during the 2009-10 IRB Sevens World Series tournament.^[7]

Suniula also represented the United States at the 2011 Pan American Games, where Suniula and his teammates earned a bronze medal.

Other Achievements

Suniula played his club rugby for Belmont Shore, and was named MVP as Belmont Shore won the USA Rugby Men's Club Sevens Championship in 2011.^[8]

Personal life

Suniula married his wife in 2012.^[9]

Suniula is a Christian. Suniula has spoken about his faith saying, “God has blessed me with talent, and God’s Word asks us what we are going to do with the talents He gives us. Rugby has given me a position of influence to be able to help mold and change kids’ and adults’ lives as I coach and partner with rugby players. With this level of influence comes a certain level of responsibility as well. I want to use my position to show Christ's love — to care for people as He cares for us all.”^[9]

Shalom Suniula is the brother of Andrew Suniula and Roland Suniula, who are both also rugby players who have played for the United States national teams.

References

1. USA Rugby, National 7's Team Tournament Appearances, "Men's XV's". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
2. Ultimate Rugby Sevens, Dallen's USA Eagles Preview, Nov. 29, 2010, http://ur7s.com/news/blogumnist/dallen-stanford
3. "Seawolves star Shalom Suniula confirms retirement". Americas Rugby News. 2021-08-06. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
4. SS Management
5. "St George Illawarra Dragons - Jubilee Avenue". Archived from the original on 2013-11-07. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
6. USA Rugby, Men's National Team 7s Appearances, "Men's XV's". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
7. RugbyUSA, "Shalom Suniula - finesse in a jungle of dinosaurs," March 1, 2011, "Shalom Suniula – finesse in a jungle of dinosaurs « usrugbynz". Archived from the original on 2012-07-20. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
8. RugbyRugby, "Berkeley & Belmont Reign Supreme at Club Sevens," August 8, 2011, "Berkeley & Belmont Reign Supreme at Club Sevens | U.S.News | Rugby News". Archived from the original on 2012-07-30. Retrieved 2012-01-18.
9. Suniula, Shalom. "Positioned for a Purpose - Shalom Suniula". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved 5 October 2019.