Mike Umaga

Who is Mike Umaga?

Mike Umaga is a former Samoan rugby union international and brother of former New Zealand rugby union Captain Tana Umaga. He played his brother Tana Umaga on one occasion losing 13 - 71.

Umaga moved to England in 1995 and played two seasons of rugby league with Halifax. However, shortly after rugby union turned professional, he switched codes, joining Rotherham in 1997 as player/coach.

He made his on-field debut on January 17, 1998, and in six seasons with the club played 133 games, scoring 38 tries, 85 conversions & 69 penalties for a total of 567 points. He jointly holds the club record for most conversions in a single match He played his last game for Rotherham on May 8, 2004 against Newcastle Falcons. Umaga scored one try in the 20-26 loss, which was the final game of the Zurich Premiership 2003/2004 season. Rotherham were relegated, without winning a single match in the campaign.

In July 2004, Umaga signed with Coventry R.F.C., initially as the backs coach, becoming the assistant coach in September 2004 and the head coach in April 2005. However, his time there ended in controversy when he was suspended by the club for unspecified "serious allegations" on 14 November 2006.