Mils Muliaina

Mils Muliaina was born on July 31, 1980, in Salelesi, Samoa. He later moved to New Zealand, where he became an iconic figure in rugby. His early life in Samoa and subsequent move to New Zealand played a significant role in shaping his rugby career, ultimately leading him to represent the All Blacks as a fullback and becoming one of the most celebrated rugby players of his time.

Mils Muliaina made his debut for the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks, on June 14, 2003, in a match against England in Wellington. As a debutant, Muliaina showcased his skills, marking the beginning of a successful international career. His debut was significant as it paved the way for him to become one of the most capped players in All Blacks history.

On July 2, 2005, Mils Muliaina played a key role in the All Blacks' victorious match against the British & Irish Lions at Wellington's Westpac Stadium. This match was part of the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, which the All Blacks won. Muliaina's performance solidified his reputation as a dependable fullback with a keen sense of positioning and counter-attacking ability.

Mils Muliaina participated in the 2007 Rugby World Cup held in France from September 7 to October 20. Although the All Blacks were favorites, they were unexpectedly knocked out by France in the quarter-finals. Muliaina's performance during the tournament was a testament to his skill and consistency, maintaining his standing as one of the leading fullbacks in the world.

On September 19, 2009, Mils Muliaina became the second player in history to reach 100 test caps for the All Blacks, in a match against South Africa. This milestone highlighted his significant contribution and consistent performance as part of the national team over several years. Muliaina joined an elite group of centurions, illustrating his commitment and excellence in international rugby.

Muliaina played a crucial role during the 2010 Tri Nations Series, including the notable match on July 10, 2010, where the All Blacks defeated South Africa 32-12 in Auckland. His defensive skills and attacking contributions were pivotal to the team’s success throughout the series, which the All Blacks ultimately won. Muliaina’s performance was praised by both fans and commentators.

On October 23, 2011, the New Zealand rugby team, with Mils Muliaina as a key player throughout the tournament, won the Rugby World Cup by defeating France in the final at Eden Park in Auckland. Although Muliaina missed the final match due to injury, his contributions to the team's success were invaluable, marking the pinnacle of his rugby career.

On July 1, 2014, Mils Muliaina signed a contract to play with Connacht in the Pro12, making him the first ever All Black to play for the Irish team. His signing was seen as a major boost for Connacht's rugby ambitions by bringing experience and skill to the squad. Muliaina's presence attracted new fans and elevated the profile of the club in both domestic and international competitions.

On April 3, 2015, Mils Muliaina was arrested in connection with an alleged sexual assault incident reported to have occurred in Cardiff, Wales. This event followed shortly after one of his matches for Connacht. The arrest was widely covered by media since it involved a high-profile sports figure, and the subsequent legal proceedings attracted significant public and media attention.

On August 22, 2015, Mils Muliaina was officially cleared of all charges regarding the alleged sexual assault case in Wales. The prosecution decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed. This marked a significant turning point, allowing Muliaina to focus once again on his rugby career and personal life. Public and media attention was drawn to the justice system's handling of the case.