I, George Nepia — Auckland

I, George Nēpia is a one-man play, written by one of New Zealand's leading playwrights, Hone Kouka, about one of our most loved and famous rugby icons — George Nēpia.

"When I hear others debating who will play fullback for the Kingdom of Heaven versus the rest I turn to stone. It is not for me a question of whether Nēpia was the best fullback in history. It is a question of which of the others is fit to lace up his cotton Oxford boots."

                                                  Denzil Batchelor, English rugby journalist

George Nēpia’s legacy in the game of rugby still burns bright. He was the fearless fullback, who played a leading role in the 1924 Invincibles and his exploits on the field saw him rise to become the first global superstar of the sport.

Nēpia is still proclaimed as one of the best ever, topping the list of all time great All Blacks; the man who will be credited with the invention and mastering of the spiral punt and the crash tackle. 

I, George Nēpia is the story of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated sporting sons. It is also a Māori love story. After an invitation by the great Sir Apirana Ngata to play in a festival game of rugby in Tikitiki, George met and eventually fell in love with Te Huinga.

Then there is the story of George Nēpia, the talented singer, whose beautiful version of "Beneath the Māori Moon" was an acclaimed hit that reached the Top 20 in New Zealand.

In this one-man theatre production, incorporating spoken word, music, audio visual elements, physical theatre and of course "rugby", the story of George Nēpia — the man of deep spirituality, the talented singer, the dedicated family man and the rugby star — is explored.

Performed in theatres and marae throughout New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011, I, George Nēpia is produced by multi award-winning Māori Theatre company Tawata Productions with renowned playwright and screenwriter Hone Kouka (Writer/Producer) and acclaimed playwright Miria George (Executive Producer).

Directed by Jason Te Kare, I George Nepia is performed by rising star Jarod Rawiri.

Find out more about George Nēpia's career  on the All Blacks' Official website.

You might also be interested in:

• Add to my trip Added to your trip Remove this event

  Hard on the Heels: Peter Bush Capturing the All Blacks — Wellington

  The Hard on the Heels exhibition in Wellington is drawn from rugby photographer Peter Bush's vast library of photographs — including personal favourites and the controversial and candid behind-the-scenes shots.

  27 August — 30 October, 2011 10am — 5pm daily.|Wellington|Culture & Heritage|Sport & Recreation|Business|Arts & Theatre

  Explore this event