Malo e Lelei.
My name is Lina Lomu, and I am pleased to welcome you into my rugby space. Rugby with Purpose is rooted in commitment to service through the sport of rugby; Rich in faith, culture, community, and empowerment.
This platform is dedicated to the growth of rugby with a twist of learning about the Mana of my people.
"Pukepuke 'a Fufula."
Translation: Hold on tight to the best harvest.
Growing up, our elders would save their best harvest to plant for the following year's crop—the biggest and strongest cattle were saved to breed for the next generation.
-Tongan proverb
In the same way this sport is my pukepuke a fufula to God, family, culture and for the future of this sport. Promising to give Rugby athletes nothing but the best version of myself.
Self Identifying Purpose
At Rugby With Purpose, my main goal is to cultivate culture of "intentional training," where understanding the "why" behind every rep becomes the foundation of growth. It’s crucial for athletes to discover their purpose and identity, drawing inspiration from their loved ones, family, community, and culture. This profound sense of purpose fuels not only their rugby journey but also elevates every aspect of their lives. Helping athletes embrace their passion, harness their identity, and let it propel them beyond the game of rugby.
"Fakatu'amelie ki he'ete taunga 'oku tautau 'i he fu'u telie."
Translation: Anticipating a basket of food hanging from the branches of a telie tree.
-Tongan proverb
Picture a basket of food hanging from a tree, a tradition where our elders place the best offerings for the young ones. Just like each of us has a basket of wisdom and power from our loved ones and ancestors, we must believe it's there to benefit from it. Trust in that legacy, and you'll find your own basket of food waiting for you.
Overcoming Challenges
Many athletes often transition from training environments that prioritize team performance over individual growth. At Rugby With Purpose, I emphasize the importance of patience with the micro skills. I create an environment where athletes engage in honest self-assessment, helping them identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This approach fosters a strong work ethic, perseverance, and a commitment to train with clarity purposely. Creating a training environment that encourages athletes to never get tired of training the basics.
"Fangota ki he kato ava."
Translation: Fishing with a bag that has holes in it.
You may have all the skills in the world, but if you don't look after your basic needs first, ALL will fail.
-Tongan proverb
It's simple. The micro skills are the secret to being a high-performance athlete! Cannot make a try if you don't know how to possess and keep the ball in hand.
Transparency beyond the pitch
Players have the opportunity to intern, hands-on training and experience by shadowing coaches, referees, and managers; gaining insights of the game providing transparency and adaptability. This enables the athlete to develop more patience in their learning journey and prepares them to step into leadership roles in the future. A culture cultivated by the All Blacks of "Sweep the shed;" reminding us that you are never too big to do the small things.
"Koe potopoto pe 'a niu mui."
Translation: A wisdom of a young coconut.
Some of the pillars of my culture are humility and respect; humility to know you don't know it all and respect for the path that's laid before you.
-Tongan proverb
Don't count yourself out in learning the ropes of life when you're still young. You must have respect draw knowledge from ancestors who came before us. Have courage to step into leadership roles!
Elevating Rugby Careers
The U.S. rugby scholarship market is increasingly competitive; however, the sport continues to expand, with more programs attaining varsity status. The rising popularity of rugby in the United States is anticipated to enhance the availability of scholarships at the collegiate level.
I collaborate closely with athletes and their parents to help them identify and refine their desired college major. My services include writing tailored recommendation letters, assisting with rugby resumes, and facilitate direct connections between athletes and college coaches and guidance for athletes through the scholarship process. This competitive environment encourages colleges to present their best possible offers, providing athletes with a variety of options to consider.
Elite Level Playing Opportunities
I am dedicated to providing the highest level of rugby opportunities for my players; offering athletes a playing platform that enhances their visibility to scouts from colleges and national teams. Such exposure to competing against top-tier players challenges them to elevate their game. Playing competitively ensures that players can apply their training and be confident in their own abilities.
"In the period of time she coached, my daughter has developed into a 15 year old who is now playing on Elite level high school teams and competing in the top competitions."
-Lennon Parent review
"Papata pe ka na'e lalanga."
Translation: "It may be coarse in texture, but it was well woven."
The outward appearance is not as important as ensuring that they are to educated and socialized in cultural values.
-Tongan proverb
My confidence in advocating for your child’s rugby scholarships and advanced playing opportunities stems from the strong foundation- Training with purpose is essential to develop the right skills and habits, ensuring that no matter where they go, those habits stay with them. This directly relates to raising a child properly—trusting that, no matter how far they are from home, they will always remember and apply their early teachings.
Welcome to the Players Rugby Journey corner
Have rugby pics to share? Share it in the interest form below
Ko hai au
My name is Angelina Lomu, aka Lina, and I was born in East Palo Alto, California, a proud 3rd generation of the first Tongan bloodline to migrate into the city in the late 1970s. I was raised in the early years in Tonga, and New Zealand came back in my teenage years to start High school, and here I remained. I am currently a professional rugby player, a rugby referee, and a rugby coach, using my time, experience, and skills to grow girls' rugby in Northern California —authentically!
"Holo e misi ki he 'Ovava."
Translation: A flock of birds is going to the Almond tree for different reasons: for shelter, for food, for comfort, for nesting, etc.
-Tongan proverb
I like to think of my Rugby with Purpose story as my Almond tree—a space athletes can come for anything! It is where I share my authentic self in the hope of empowering athletes to do the same.
Interested in becoming a RWP athlete? Sign up here to learn more about upcoming trainings & events.
"I can't speak highly enough of coach Lina's coaching skills. I would highly recommend any young player who is either starting rugby or looking to develop their game to the next level to work with Lina. She has been coaching my daughter for a couple of seasons. In that period my daughter has developed into a 15 year old who is now playing on Elite level high school teams and competing in the top competitions. Lina understands the various level of development and adopts her coaching accordingly. She understands the importance of mastering the basic skills and somehow execute them in the game environment. Most of all she brings a passion and energy that I don't see. Her energy is infectious. In her programs she creates an environment of respect, growth and leadership. The best compliments I can say is that my daughter has grown and developed as a person and not just a rugby player under the guidance of Lina"
-Lennon (parent)
"Thank you so much for the support and helping me improve so much I couldn't have gotten there without you! Thank you for being the best coach and so grateful to have you in my life.
-Brown (player)
"Coach Lina is a one-in-a-million rare gem! She has a profound understanding of the game of rugby and can incrementally translate that into the development of her players. Her detailed knowledge of micro skills, phases of play, mechanics, and the cohesion required to play at the elite level is what separates her from even the best rugby club coaches. My two children have grown leaps and bounds with their game and, most importantly, their confidence. She dedicates herself to the growth of her players, not physically but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Her desire to create an environment where players feel seen is one of her best assets."
-Stokket (parent)
"Thank you for always striving for me to give my best and giving me amazing playing opportunities! You're such an amazing coach and I'm so lucky to be coached by you!"
-Lennon (player)
"Coach Lina has been an incredible influence on my daughter's rugby journey. Not only has she taken her skills to the next level on the field, but she has also built her confidence in ways that extend far beyond the game. Her coaching style combines expertise and encouragement, where players feel motivated to push themselves. The guidance and support she provides is invaluable, and I genuinely believe she is an amazing coach who makes a lasting impact on her athletes.."
-Brown (parent)
"On behalf of our entire family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary support, guidance, and opportunities you have provided to Jules this past year. Your belief in her and commitment to developing her as both a player and a person has had an immeasurable impact on her life. We cannot thank you enough, Coach Lomu, for seeing the potential in Jules Avery McCafferty, for nurturing her development, and for connecting her with experiences that have shaped her future. Your dedication, wisdom, and unwavering belief have made an enduring mark on her life and on our family.
-McCafferty (parents)
"Lina helped my daughter from u8 up til MS. She's grown socially, emotionally, and culturally. It was clear that Lina's care for her development extended far beyond rugby skills; she invested in her as a whole person."
-Dwight (parent)
"Lina coaches all of my kids boys and girls; 2 U8s, 1 U10 and 1 MS girl. My MS daughter played in her first high level rugby at NAI7s. My kids love her and refer to her as "aunty" which is a term that signifies respect in culture. Her dedication to my kids is very much appreciated. She's not just a rugby coach... she's family!"
-Finau (parent)