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Key Information

Isakeli "Isa" Nacewa (born 22 July 1982) is a former rugby union player and coach. Born in New Zealand of Fijian descent, he represented the Fiji national team, winning one cap in 2003.

Nacewa was a utility back who played for the Blues in the Super Rugby competition and Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Nacewa moved to Leinster in 2008, and over two spells won four European Cups, and captained the team to European Champions Cup and Pro14 titles in his final season. He retired from playing at the end of the 2017–2018 season.

He took a two-year break from playing from 2013 to 2015, when he returned to New Zealand and had a coaching role with the Blues.

Career

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New Zealand

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Nacewa was one of the stand-out players for Auckland in their 2005 NPC-winning season, Nacewa is a speedy and versatile player who can play as an outside back or centre. He also proved that he can play as a first five-eighth when he covered successfully for the injured Luke McAlister during the 2006 Super 14 season.

In the 2007 Super 14 coach David Nucifora trialled him in their first match against the Crusaders at Fly-half in place of first-choice Luke McAlister who was out because of an injury. Nacewa played so well that Nucifora decided to play him at number 10 and when McAlister returned he was placed in his favourite position at inside centre to cater for Nacewa. The Blues defeated the defending champions and Nacewa scored 19 points. In the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup, Nacewa was voted the player of the tournament after guiding his Auckland team to another thrilling victory and thus winning the coveted Air New Zealand Cup in another thriller defeating finalist Wellington. He has won the Air New Zealand Cup 3 times with Auckland in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

International career

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Born and raised in New Zealand, Nacewa qualified to play for Fiji through his ancestral links. He was included in Fiji's squad for the 2003 Rugby World Cup and came on as a substitute against Scotland for less than 3 minutes, not touching the ball. In 2006, he quit the Fiji national team as he wanted his eligibility changed from Fiji to New Zealand. But due to IRB law, his appearance for Fiji in the World Cup made him ineligible for the All Blacks, Nacewa considered legal advice to persuade the IRB to annul his Fiji cap,[2] however the IRB has since ruled that Nacewa is a Fijian citizen and has played for Fiji during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, making him eligible to play only for Fiji.[3] According to media reports in October 2009, Nacewa was sounded out about the possibility of again playing for Fiji on their tour to Europe, but he rebuffed these approaches to retain his focus on club rugby with Leinster.[4] Nacewa could have qualified for Ireland (under residency), had he not already played for Fiji.[5]

Leinster

[edit]

In 2008, Nacewa moved to Ireland to represent Leinster Rugby, scoring a try in his opening game for the province. However, he suffered a setback when he sustained a broken arm in the win over the Ospreys on 19 September, a game in which he scored two drop goals.

Nacewa returned for the later stages of the Heineken Cup pool stages and played on the right wing in the quarter-final victory over Harlequins but moved to full-back for the semi-final against Munster with great success. The Irish Times said of his performance "Nacewa's selection at fullback was vindicated for his stunning line and pass for D’Arcy's opening try. But there was so much more than that as well: his security and strength at the back, his counter-attacking runs, his passing and kicking".[6] He retained his place at full-back for the Heineken Cup final on 23 May 2009, keeping Ireland first-choice and Lions tourist Rob Kearney on the bench, and contributed well to Leinster's 19–16 victory.

In the 2009/2010 season, Nacewa alternated between full-back and wing but was almost ever-present in the starting Leinster XV. Rumours circulated that Nacewa was contemplating a return to the Fijian national team when they toured Ireland and Britain in November 2009; however Nacewa himself rejected this.[4]

In the 2010/2011 season, Nacewa established himself as one of the finest full-backs in Europe with eye-catching displays for Leinster in their Heineken Cup run, scoring two tries in the pool stages as well as a brilliant solo effort in the quarter-final against Leicester. Following that game, his Leinster colleague, Gordon D'Arcy said of Nacewa; "It gets kind of boring when he's that good. He's probably one of the best players I’ve played with in any shape, way or form."[7] Nacewa picked up his second Heineken Cup winners medal after playing a key role in Leinster's second-half comeback against Northampton at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

On an individual level, Nacewa was named both the Irish Rugby Union Players' Association (IRUPA) and the Leinster Rugby Player of the Year, as well as being chosen as full-back on the 'Magners League Dream Team' for 2011 and was shortlisted for the ERC European Player of the Year, losing out to his Leinster colleague, Seán O'Brien.

He was included for the Barbarians' match against Wales starting at fullback. He scored 2 tries, one of which came in the final minute to give the Barbarians a win.[8] Following that game, speculation arose that Nacewa would play for Fiji at the 2011 World Cup, however it was later confirmed by the Fiji rugby union that he would not make himself available, citing family commitments .[9]

Doubts were raised about his future at Leinster after the IRFU announced a new policy restricting non-Irish players in December 2011. [10] However, in April 2012, it was announced that Nacewa had signed an extension to his contract which will see him remain with Leinster until the end of the 2013/14 season. Nacewa ended the 2011/12 season with his third Heineken Cup winners medal after featuring on the wing for most of the campaign. He gained the distinction of not only playing every match but also every minute of the campaign. The season ended on a disappointing note as Leinster lost out in the RaboDirect Pro12 Grand Final to the Ospreys on 27 May, despite two tries by Nacewa.

Nacewa goes into a tackle in the 2012 Heineken Cup Final

Retirement

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On 20 March 2013, it was reported in the Irish Times that Nacewa would finish his career and return to New Zealand at the end of the 2012–2013 season, despite having a year left on his contract. Family reasons were cited as being behind his decision.[11] This was confirmed on the Leinster Rugby website later that day.[12] Nacewa played his last game on 25 May 2013 at full-back in the 24–18 win over Ulster in the RaboDirect Pro12 final against Ulster at the RDS, collecting the fifth trophy of his Leinster career in the process.

After retirement, Nacewa joined the NZ ITM Cup commentating team for Sky NZ.

Coaching

[edit]

In November 2013, it was announced that Nacewa would be returning to the Auckland Blues as mental skills coach for the 2014 Super Rugby season. Nacewa said at the time "My role involves getting the players' mental space right going into trainings and games and upskilling them on the discipline and attributes needed to be winners, not just talented players".[13]

Return to Leinster Rugby

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In April 2015, Nacewa signed a one-year contract to play for Leinster.[14] He made his return for Leinster against Edinburgh Rugby in the 2015-16 Pro 12 season kicking 9 points. The following week, he was the stand-in captain and he kicked 13 points to help Leinster beat Cardiff Blues. He played at fullback in both games. Nacewa extended his contract and was installed as the Leinster Captain for the 2015/16 season. Nacewa was named captain of the Pro 12 team of the season as he led Leinster to the top of Pro 12 table and the final at Murrayfield where they were defeated by Connacht Rugby 20–10.

In September 2017, Nacewa and teammate Jamison Gibson-Park were denied entry to South Africa due to newly created restrictions that required citizens of New Zealand to obtain a visa. The pair had been due to play two matches for Leinster in the Pro14 against the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs.[15]

On 24 April 2018, it was announced that Nacewa would be retiring at the end of the 2017/2018 season and would be returning to New Zealand.[16]

On 12 May 2018, Nacewa kicked the match-winning penalty in Leinster's 15–12 defeat of Racing 92, in the European Rugby Champions Cup final, gaining a record-equalling fourth win as a player in the competition.

Honours

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Club

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Leinster

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Auckland

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Individual

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Isa Nacewa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Isakeli "Isa" Nacewa (born 22 July 1982) is a former professional player born in , , to parents of Fijian descent, who represented the national team and achieved legendary status with the Irish province over a decade-long career as a versatile utility back. Nacewa began his professional career in New Zealand, debuting for Auckland in 2003 and joining the Blues in Super Rugby, where he helped secure the National Provincial Championship title and Ranfurly Shield in 2007. A brief appearance for Fiji—two minutes off the bench against Scotland at the 2003 Rugby World Cup—cemented his international eligibility with the Pacific Island nation, foreclosing opportunities with New Zealand despite his eligibility for the All Blacks. In 2008, Nacewa moved to Leinster on the invitation of coach , arriving in with just two suitcases and quickly establishing himself as a reliable fullback, winger, centre, or fly-half capable of playing every back-line position except scrum-half. Over 185 appearances, he scored 47 tries and amassed 706 points, contributing to a transformative era under Cheika that included Heineken Cup victories in 2009 and 2011, plus a 2012 final appearance. After a brief retirement and return to in 2013, he rejoined in 2015 as club captain, leading them to further triumphs: the 2018 (his fourth, achieved with a decisive penalty in the final against ) and two Pro14 titles, alongside one . Renowned for his composure, kicking accuracy, and leadership—earning accolades like Supporters' Player of the Year in 2017—Nacewa retired at age 35 following the Pro14 final, leaving as one of only six players to win four European crowns and a pivotal figure in 's golden age. Post-retirement, he has transitioned into , commentary, financial advising, and podcasting, while raising a family in Ireland before returning to .

Early life

Birth and family background

Isa Nacewa was born on 22 July 1982 in , . His father, originally from , migrated to at the age of 17 and later met Nacewa's mother while attending there. This Fijian paternal heritage connected Nacewa to his ancestral roots, later qualifying him for international rugby eligibility with . Nacewa grew up in the Onehunga suburb of alongside one brother and three sisters. His early exposure to rugby came through watching his father play club matches as a half-back or fly-half, which sparked his interest in the sport within the family environment.

Education and early rugby

Nacewa attended High School for his third form before transferring to , a prominent known for developing rugby talent. At Grammar, he focused on his studies while emerging as a player, and earned a with aspirations to become , which allowed him to balance academics and sport effectively. His introduction to rugby came early, beginning at age five through local clubs in Auckland, where he developed foundational skills alongside hundreds of other children in the city's vibrant grassroots scene. As a utility back, Nacewa progressed through school ranks at Auckland Grammar, earning a spot in the first XV during his final two years in 1999 and 2000, primarily playing as a first five-eighth or fullback. Despite his versatility and growth, he was not selected for Auckland secondary schools or national age-group representative teams, marking him as a late bloomer in the sport.

Club career

New Zealand clubs

Nacewa made his professional debut for in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) Division One in 2003, aged 21, as a substitute during a match against . Over the following five seasons through 2007, he accumulated 54 appearances for the province while scoring 212 points, predominantly from successful goal-kicking and occasional tries. His versatility allowed him to feature across the backline, including as a fullback, winger, and fly-half, where he honed his skills as a dependable kicker. Auckland achieved significant domestic success during Nacewa's time, securing three Air New Zealand Cup titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007. In the 2003 final against , Nacewa served as an unused reserve on the bench as Auckland claimed victory to win the competition. He emerged as one of the standout performers in the 2005 championship season, contributing key plays in the campaign that culminated in Auckland's triumph over in the final. Nacewa's most notable performance came in 2007, where he starred in Auckland's 23–14 win over at . He accounted for 18 points through a try, two conversions, and three penalties—including a crucial 45-meter effort late in the match—setting a record for the most points in an Air New Zealand Cup final at the time and earning player-of-the-tournament honors for the season. In parallel with his provincial commitments, Nacewa debuted for the in in 2005 and went on to play 44 matches for the franchise through 2008, amassing 208 points from 12 tries, 25 conversions, and 31 penalties. Operating primarily as a fullback or fly-half, he provided consistent attacking threat and goalkicking reliability, though the did not secure a title during his tenure.

Leinster first spell

In April 2008, Rugby announced the signing of Isa Nacewa from the Auckland on a two-year contract, bringing the versatile Fijian-born utility back to to bolster their backline options. Nacewa arrived in with just two bags of possessions, marking a significant life change as he adapted to a new country and professional environment away from his roots. Drawing on his prior experience with the , where he had developed as a reliable full-back and goal-kicker, Nacewa quickly integrated into the squad under coach . Nacewa made his pre-season debut for in August 2008 against Petrarca Padova in , starting at full-back in a youthful team lineup. His competitive debut followed in September 2008, also at full-back, during a Magners League match against Cardiff Blues at the , where he scored a try in a 16-16 draw, showcasing his attacking threat and composure under pressure. Over the subsequent seasons, Nacewa's adaptability across positions—full-back, wing, and outside-half—proved invaluable, as he contributed to 's rising dominance in European rugby. From 2008 to 2013, Nacewa made 126 appearances for , scoring 24 tries and accumulating 390 points through his precise goal-kicking. He played a pivotal role in the province's back-to-back Heineken Cup triumphs in and , as well as their 2012 victory, featuring in all three finals and providing leadership in the backline. In the final against at Murrayfield, Nacewa started on the wing and helped secure a 19-16 win through his defensive solidity and involvement in the structured play that led to Rob Kearney's decisive try. His standout performances extended to the final against , where he was instrumental in Leinster's second-half comeback from 22-6 down to a 33-22 victory, contributing to the attacking momentum that yielded three tries. Nacewa emerged as a key leader within the squad, serving as at times and earning respect for his and tactical acumen, which complemented the province's evolving game plan under Cheika. His contributions extended beyond , aiding Leinster's 2013 Pro12 title win, where he featured prominently in the regular season and playoffs. However, in March 2013, at the age of 30, Nacewa announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the season, citing family reasons as the primary factor, with a desire to return to alongside his wife and three young daughters. His final appearance came in the Pro12 final victory over on May 25, 2013, capping a transformative first spell that established him as one of Leinster's most impactful overseas signings.

Interim return to New Zealand

Following his retirement from at the end of the 2012–13 season, primarily due to his wife's for , Isa Nacewa relocated his family to in 2013 to focus on his children's schooling and overall family stability. This move marked a deliberate step away from the demands of professional rugby, allowing Nacewa to prioritize personal life after years abroad. During this interim period, Nacewa did not engage in competitive playing but instead transitioned into media work, contributing as a commentator for TVNZ's coverage of and All Blacks test matches in 2013 and 2014. He also worked as a mental skills coach for the Auckland Blues development players, and had brief, informal involvement in local rugby coaching, assisting at his former school, St Kentigern College, and with the Auckland Under-18 team, roles that kept him connected to the sport without formal professional commitments. Over time, the family experienced a reversal of their earlier homesickness; Nacewa noted the emotional pull of returning to , where his daughters had been born, leading to a collective decision by early 2015 to unretire and pursue opportunities back in . This phase underscored Nacewa's adaptability, balancing rest, family needs, and a gradual re-engagement with rugby on his own terms.

Leinster second spell

After retiring in 2013 to return to for family reasons, Nacewa made a surprise comeback to in 2015, signing a one-year deal ahead of the 2015-16 season. The 32-year-old utility back, who had previously made 126 appearances for the province, rejoined pre-season training and debuted competitively against in the Pro12, contributing nine points in a 25-11 victory. Nacewa's contract was extended multiple times, allowing him to remain until the end of the 2017-18 season, during which he made 59 appearances and scored 316 points, including 23 tries. In October 2015, following Kevin McLaughlin's retirement, he was appointed interim captain for the remainder of the 2015-16 season, a role made permanent by head coach Leo Cullen in August 2016 for the following campaign. Under his leadership, secured their fourth European Champions Cup title in 2018, defeating 15-12 in the final, where Nacewa kicked two crucial penalties in the closing minutes to secure the win. The province also claimed the Pro14 title that year, completing a domestic and European double in Nacewa's final season. The physical demands of professional rugby took a toll on the veteran, who turned 35 during the 2017-18 season, leading to his announcement of in April 2018, ahead of the Champions Cup final. His second spell solidified his status as a cult hero, with his versatility across , fullback, and centre positions, leadership qualities, and goal-kicking prowess earning widespread admiration from fans and teammates. Nacewa retired as 's all-time leading points scorer with 706 points from 185 appearances across both spells.

International career

Eligibility and Fiji selection

Born in New Zealand to a father of Fijian descent, Isa Nacewa was eligible to represent by birthright, through his ancestral heritage, and later after accumulating three years of residency while playing professionally there. After a standout National Provincial Championship campaign with that helped secure their title, Nacewa's strong performances drew interest from 's national team management, who approached him directly leveraging his Fijian ancestral links to invite him into their preparations for the upcoming . All Blacks selection was not a realistic prospect at that stage. Nacewa later reflected on the offer as straightforward, stating, "Fiji came calling... it was an easy decision because of my heritage." At the age of 21, Nacewa accepted the invitation and was named to Fiji's , joining a pre-tournament held in to integrate with the team. This marked his entry into international rugby, but the choice carried lasting repercussions under World Rugby's eligibility regulations at the time, which prohibited players from switching national teams after earning a full senior cap. As a result, Nacewa became permanently barred from representing the All Blacks, despite his strong ongoing performances in New Zealand domestic and competitions.

2003 Rugby World Cup and single cap

Nacewa earned his sole international cap for during the , appearing as a substitute in their final Pool B match against on 1 November 2003 at in . At 21 years old and selected for the squad based on his Fijian heritage, he entered the game in the 80th minute as a utility back replacement, playing approximately 120 seconds before the final whistle. During his brief stint, Nacewa attempted one tackle but did not score any points as fell to a narrow 20–22 defeat, with 's late try by prop Tom Smith securing their quarter-final berth. Fiji's Pool B campaign had been mixed, starting with a heavy 18–61 loss to France on 11 October 2003 in , followed by a tense 19–18 win over the on 15 October 2003 in , a 41–13 victory over on 23 October 2003 in , and the Scotland defeat. These results left Fiji third in the group with two wins and two losses, totaling 98 points scored and 114 conceded, insufficient to advance from the pool stage. Nacewa's limited minutes reflected his inexperience as a young player breaking into the international setup, with no further appearances in the despite being part of the 30-man . In post-tournament reflections, Nacewa has described the 120-second decision to accept the call-up as a pivotal career moment, one that locked in his international eligibility and precluded opportunities with or, later, . Despite ongoing interest from the , including attempts to recall him for the 2007 World Cup, Nacewa received no additional caps and shifted focus to his provincial and club commitments in .

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following his initial retirement from professional rugby in 2013, Nacewa took up a position as mental skills coach with the Auckland for the , where he worked on enhancing players' mindset and building mental resilience to handle high-pressure situations. In this , he drew on his extensive playing experience to guide the team, emphasizing the importance of ownership in preparations and adaptability during matches, though he stepped away after one season to return to playing with . During his 2013–2015 stint in , Nacewa also engaged in informal activities, contributing to local rugby development efforts that included mentoring younger players in skills and mental preparation, leveraging his background as a versatile back and leader. After retiring for a second time in 2018 following his successful return to , Nacewa adopted advisory and guest roles with clubs and occasionally with , continuing into performance leadership beyond , providing input on skills development without taking on any head responsibilities. Since April 2023, Nacewa has served as Performance Team Leader at (HPSNZ), focusing on enhancing athlete performance and mental resilience across various sports. His philosophies centered on holistic player growth, including drawing from his own in goal-kicking techniques under pressure and fostering leadership qualities to instill confidence in high-stakes environments. Nacewa has since expressed ongoing interest in formal opportunities, particularly with , while prioritizing family and other professional commitments.

Media, podcasting, and finance work

Following his retirement from professional rugby, Nacewa transitioned into media roles, beginning with commentary work for Sky Sport NZ on the ITM Cup in 2013. He continued providing analysis for the competition in 2014 before stepping back, though he has made occasional appearances as a guest analyst on Sky Sport NZ broadcasts since 2018, including co-commentary on international matches. In 2020, Nacewa became a co-host of the Beyond the Field alongside Kayne Wahlstrom and Goran Loncar, a series produced by that explores the rugby , , and after professional sports. The features interviews with athletes, business leaders, and experts, emphasizing themes of resilience and career transitions, with episodes released up to 2023 on platforms like and . Nacewa entered the finance sector as a registered in in 2019, joining Money Empire until March 2023, a firm specializing in personalized financial planning and property investment advice. In this role, he advised clients on strategies drawn from his experiences in high-performance environments. That same year, he guest-hosted episodes of the Property Talk podcast, discussing property investment, mortgages, and first-home strategies for aspiring investors in . From 2022 to 2025, Nacewa has undertaken speaking engagements focused on resilience and mindset, drawing from his rugby career to inspire corporate and sports audiences on overcoming adversity. In 2025, he was recognized in Rugby World magazine's "Top 12 European Cup Legends" for his contributions to Leinster's successes, further highlighting his post-playing influence.

Honours

Club achievements

Nacewa began his professional club career with in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship (NPC), contributing to three title wins during his tenure from 2003 to 2007. In 2003, claimed the NPC crown by defeating 41-29 in the final, with Nacewa featuring as a centre in the provincial squad that season. He played a key role in the 2005 victory, where triumphed 39-11 over in the final, showcasing his versatility across outside back positions. Nacewa's standout performance came in the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup final, scoring 18 points—including a try, two conversions, and three penalties—to help secure a 33-22 win over and reclaim the title. Joining in 2008 marked the start of Nacewa's most decorated club phase, where he helped the province dominate European rugby. He was part of the team that won the Heineken Cup in 2009, defeating 19-16 in the final at Murrayfield, contributing points from the tee during the campaign. Nacewa featured prominently in the 2011 triumph, with edging 33-22 in , and again in 2012 when they overcame 42-14 in . Returning for a second spell in 2015, he captained to a fourth European title in 2018, kicking two penalties in a 15-12 victory over in , becoming one of only six players to win four European Rugby Champions Cup medals. In addition to European success, Nacewa lifted two Pro12/Pro14 titles with . He featured in the 2013 Pro12 final, where beat 24-18 to claim the domestic crown. As captain in his final season, he led the province to the 2018 Guinness Pro14 title, defeating 40-32 in the decider despite leaving the field injured early. During his earlier stint with the in from 2005 to 2008, Nacewa made 40 appearances but the team did not secure any major titles, though they reached the in 2007 after finishing third in the conference. Overall, Nacewa's club career amassed 10 major trophies, with his four European wins underscoring 's era of dominance on the continent.

Individual accolades

Nacewa established himself as a prolific points scorer during his time at , becoming the province's all-time leading scorer across his two spells with the club. His kicking accuracy and versatility in the backline contributed significantly to this record, underscoring his impact as a . He also earned multiple selections to the Pro12/Pro14 Team of the Year, including captaining the 2016 dream team and featuring in the edition, recognizing his consistent performance at full-back or wing. Nacewa received several awards in the , such as in 's 2017 victory over , where his all-around play was pivotal. Although not named man of the match in the 2018 final, his late penalties secured the title, earning him a for the EPCR European Player of the Year award that season. Earlier accolades include the IRUPA Players' Player of the Year in 2011 and Player of the Year in the same year. Internationally, Nacewa's single cap for at the limited opportunities for major individual honors, and he earned no All Blacks recognition despite early potential. Post-retirement, his legacy was affirmed in 2025 when Rugby World magazine included him in their Top 12 European Cup Legends for his contributions to four titles.

Personal life

Family and residences

Isa Nacewa is married to Simone, whom he met at a mutual friend's birthday party in , where they experienced an immediate connection. The couple has four daughters: twins Mia Rose and Ellie Milika, born in 2009 during Nacewa's initial stint with ; Lucy, born in 2012; and Laura, born later during his second period with the province. Nacewa's family life has significantly influenced his relocations, beginning with his upbringing in , , where he was born to Fijian parents. He moved to in 2008 to join , establishing a family base there until 2013, when he retired from professional rugby to return to with Simone and their three young daughters, motivated by a desire to provide them with stability, exposure to their grandparents, and a New Zealand education environment. In 2015, Nacewa returned to Leinster for a second spell, relocating the family back to until his final retirement in 2018, a decision that balanced professional opportunities with family considerations after two years in . Since then, the family has been based outside , prioritizing stability for their daughters' upbringing and well-being.

Philanthropy and interests

Following his retirement from professional rugby, Nacewa has actively advocated for in sports, drawing from his experience as a mental skills coach for the Auckland Blues in 2013, where he emphasized building among players to handle high-pressure situations. He has extended this work through public talks and discussions, including sharing strategies for maintaining a positive during challenges like New Zealand's in 2020. As co-host of the "Beyond the Field" , Nacewa partners with rugby player associations to address awareness, featuring episodes during Mental Health Awareness Week that highlight support resources and donate proceeds to related charities. Nacewa contributes to Fijian and broader community support in through his involvement with the Pacific Rugby Players, an organization dedicated to aiding Pacific Island rugby players and their communities. This work aligns with his heritage, fostering opportunities for young Fijian-descended athletes in . Outside of , Nacewa pursues property investment as a personal interest that evolved into a professional focus; during his decade , he navigated the challenges of overseas property acquisition, later specializing as a financial advisor to help rugby players invest in portfolios. He frequently discusses these strategies on podcasts like "Life After Rugby," emphasizing practical steps for first-time buyers and investors in the market.

References

  1. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2008/04/22/leinster-sign-nacewa-from-auckland/
  2. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/108110260/the-120-seconds-that-changed-the-course-of-ica-necewas-life
  3. https://thespinoff.co.nz/sports/30-05-2018/isa-nacewa-almost-an-all-black-a-leinster-legend-instead
  4. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/99934497/kiwi-export-isa-nacewa-revels-in-ireland--five-years-after-retiring-from-rugby
  5. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2018/05/25/meet-isa-nacewa-leinster-legend-arrived-ireland-just-two-bags/
  6. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/there-is-reliable-brilliance-and-there-is-isa-nacewa-1.3472608
  7. https://www.ultimaterugby.com/isa-nacewa
  8. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/isa-nacewa-my-loyalties-will-be-tested-when-ireland-play-all-blacks-in-final/31559493.html
  9. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/fighting-for-the-blues-not-foreign-to-nacewa-1.522163
  10. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/rugby-doorway-to-all-blacks-isa-still-shut/NTYCC4TDL6BE35L276RO245N7Y/
  11. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/isa-nacewa-i-did-not-want-to-be-known-as-a-mercenary-in-leinster/41844208.html
  12. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/champions-cup/david-kelly-leinster-hero-isa-nacewa-has-found-a-home-in-exile/36888113.html
  13. https://www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/isa-nacewa-leinster-interview-215836
  14. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/nacewa-out-of-henrys-reach/BN3PLZAJUVAJS4NKSWBQC3KIQM/
  15. https://all.rugby/player/isa-nacewa
  16. https://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/leinster-want-nacewa-back-for-playercoach-role/31032474.html
  17. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/rabo-pro12/leinster-s-isa-nacewa-to-retire-and-return-home-to-new-zealand-at-end-of-season-1.1331666
  18. https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/0623/710148-isa-nacewa/
  19. https://www.the42.ie/isa-nacewa-leinster-return-2178084-Jun2015/
  20. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2015/04/30/nacewas-leinster-return-is-confirmed/
  21. https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2015/0430/697793-leinster-confirm-isa-nacewa-return/
  22. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/32532185
  23. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2016/08/16/nacewa-to-continue-as-leinster-captain/
  24. https://www.epcrugby.com/champions-cup/content/leinster-lift-fourth-european-cup-after-15-12-victory-over-racing-92
  25. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/isa-nacewa-to-retire-and-return-to-auckland-at-end-of-season-1.3472525
  26. https://www.the42.ie/isa-nacewa-retire-3975150-Apr2018/
  27. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gerry-thornley-new-test-eligibility-rules-a-boost-for-pacific-island-sides-1.4737686
  28. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/isa-needs-a-new-visa/UP2OY7FQO52WJQJKSGVFKTMCNE/
  29. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/rugby_world_cup/3230005.stm
  30. https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/167830/the-fiji-rugby-union-gives-up-on-hopes-of-isa-nacewa-playing-for-them-for-world-cup
  31. https://www.planetrugby.com/nacewa-joins-blues-backroom-staff
  32. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/nacewa-aiming-to-ensure-auckland-possess-the-mental-resilience-that-defines-all-winners-1.1613548
  33. https://www.thesportschronicle.com/rugby/isa-nacewa-leinster-rugby/
  34. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-rugby/nacewa-we-have-benefited-from-having-extended-summer-break/36156790.html
  35. https://www.the42.ie/isa-nacewa-heineken-rugby-weekly-podcast-4281127-Oct2018/
  36. https://nz.linkedin.com/in/isa-nacewa-60397882
  37. https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/isa-nacewa-silence-is-more-intimidating-for-kickers-than-hooting-and-hollering/31578458.html
  38. https://extra.ie/2020/04/22/the-lineout/isa-nacewa-leinster-coach
  39. https://extra.ie/2022/05/17/the-lineout/isa-nacewa-leinster-backs-coach
  40. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-field/id1492388815
  41. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/beyond-the-field-982175
  42. https://beyondthefield.buzzsprout.com/760640/episodes/10671103-from-rugby-to-the-real-world-with-isa-nacewa-sanj-silva-s3-ep-15
  43. https://pacificrugbyplayers.com/2020/05/ep-3-life-after-rugby-property-talk-with-isa-nacewa/
  44. https://www.bigfield.co.nz/2003/npc.html
  45. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15408985/auckland-rout-otago-claim-npc-title
  46. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/36244148
  47. https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2012/0503/319567-five-provincial-players-in-rabo-pro12-dream-team/
  48. https://www.epcrugby.com/european-professional-club-rugby/content/epcr-european-player-of-the-year-nominee-8-isa-nacewa-leinster-rugby
  49. https://www.irishrugby.ie/2011/05/04/nacewa-acknowledged-as-players-player-of-the-year/
  50. https://gb.readly.com/magazines/rugby-world/2025-05-20/6825325f26e04fd70540cb82
  51. https://evoke.ie/2020/08/23/entertainment/how-they-met-love-at-first-sight-for-isa-nacewa-when-he-spied-simone
  52. https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/its-a-lonely-time-when-you-retire/39146701.html
  53. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/21860249
  54. https://evoke.ie/2020/08/19/wellness/isa-nacewa-shares-advice-on-how-to-cope-with-second-lockdown
  55. https://beyondthefield.buzzsprout.com/760640/episodes/11356561-mhaw-david-co-founder-of-boring-without-you-s3-ep-44
  56. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/pacific-rugby-players/episodes/3-Life-After-Rugby--Property-Talk-with-Isa-Nacewa-edb31j
  57. https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/isa-nacewa-sport-can-go-ahead-and-hopefully-this-is-the-blueprint-to-do-it-1.4253682
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