Malakai Fekitoa is loving life in Italy and has no regrets about leaving New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images
It doesn’t seem that long ago that Malakai Fekitoa was a household name in New Zealand rugby with the All Blacks.
He played 24 tests, was part of the 2015 World Cup-winning side and, in the same year, helped the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory as they claimed their maiden title.
Yet it has now been almost nine years since the blockbusting midfielder made the move to the Northern Hemisphere, embarking on a career that has included stints with Toulon, Wasps, Munster and now Italian side Benetton.
Much has changed in the 33-year-old’s life since leaving New Zealand.
Off the field, he has become a husband and a father; on it, a veteran leader and an inspiration for Pacific players chasing their rugby dreams. He has also switched international allegiances to his nation of birth, Tonga, adding a further 12 caps to his name.
At the time of his departure, Fekitoa described the move as the “hardest decision” of his life. With the benefit of hindsight, he now calls it the “best decision” he has ever made.
“At first it was quite scary, and I didn’t know if I’d made the right decision to leave New Zealand,” Fekitoa told the Herald.
“But it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Probably the best thing to come out of it is my family.
“I’ve been here eight years now. I’ve grown a lot, I understand the game better and I have a different approach. I also get to enjoy life off the field and experience different cultures.”
Benetton, based in Treviso in Italy’s northeast, have been owned by fashion brand Benetton Group since 1979 and its venture into sport also includes backing a Formula One team during the 1990s, when Michael Schumacher won his first world championships.
Benetton are one of just two professional rugby clubs in the country and they compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC), alongside teams from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and South Africa, and also feature in European competition against clubs from England and France.
While football remains Italy’s dominant sport, Fekitoa has noticed a growing interest in rugby, fuelled by the improvement of both the domestic game and the national side.
He believes the inclusion of South African teams in the URC has played a major role in lifting standards and interest across the competition.
“It’s like the old Super Rugby,” Fekitoa said. “That’s why the URC is growing so fast and becoming one of the best competitions – it’s five nations in one. “Every team has a different style, so you have to adapt every week. It’s hard at times, but it’s fun and great to play.
“I had that experience in Super Rugby. Touring South Africa for a couple of weeks was one of the best challenges, and it brings back memories every time.”
Another noticeable shift since Fekitoa moved north has been the increased Pacific presence in European rugby.
Where players once predominantly headed to New Zealand or Australia to begin their professional journeys, many are now moving directly from the Islands to Europe.
“The pathways are very different now,” Fekitoa said.
“A lot of guys are coming over straight after school and starting their development here. It’s great to see opportunities being offered and clear pathways for players to experience something different from back home.
“There’s a real mix of cultures and experiences, with players from all over the world competing in this competition.”
Since Fekitoa’s arrival, Benetton have enjoyed a sustained period of success, posting winning records over the past three seasons and pushing many of the top sides in the URC and across Europe.
That success has also coincided with a rise in interest in rugby more broadly in Italy, underlined by recent results from the national team.
In 2024, Italy drew with France and beat Scotland, while last year they recorded victories over Wales and the Wallabies.
“There are a lot more people coming to the games now, and you can feel the buzz around town compared to when I first arrived,” Fekitoa said.
“More people recognise the boys, especially with how well we’ve been doing. We’ve been winning in Europe against some big teams too.
“It’s great for Italian rugby. It’s growing fast, and it’s a lovely place to play, on and off the field. The culture is unbelievable – the food and the people are amazing."
Looking ahead, one remaining ambition for Fekitoa is to play at a second Rugby World Cup for Tonga – and his third overall – next year in Australia.
Drawn alongside England, Wales and Zimbabwe, he believes Tonga have a genuine chance of progressing from their pool.
But he is adamant he will only be involved if he feels he can contribute meaningfully.
“I’ll be 35 by then, and I want to make sure my body is right and that I’m good for the job,” Fekitoa said. “I don’t want to take anyone’s spot if I’m not good enough.
“I’m doing well here at Benetton and hopefully that continues. If I’m in good form, I’ll make myself available for selection.
“Playing for Tonga has always been a huge honour for me and my family. Representing the All Blacks was a dream that once felt impossible, but with the help of a lot of people, it became possible.
“Now there’s another opportunity with Tonga at a World Cup. If I’m good enough, I’d be proud to represent them again.”
Before then, Fekitoa is weighing up his future, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.
He has made 41 appearances for Benetton and values the balance and lifestyle Italy offers, but acknowledges the decision carries extra weight, as it could be his final contract before retirement.
“There’s still a lot of rugby I want to play and goals I want to chase,” Fekitoa said.
“But with a young family, I have to think about what’s most important and what’s best for them.
“Over the next few months, I’ll decide what’s best and go from there.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.