Proposal caps off Tofaeono’s winning day

A proposal fit for a champion.

Caked in splatterings of mud, Southern rugby players rallied together with excitement for the obligatory team photo after beating Dunedin 30-20 to win back-to-back club rugby titles at their home ground on Saturday.

Celebrations were in full force and songs were sung — but Jay Tofaeono saved the best for last.

The Southern prop positioned himself in front of the championship banner and signalled to his partner, Mate Talatonu, to join his team before dropping to one knee and proposing to her in front of the large crowd.

Of course she said yes, eliciting a massive cheer from everyone as Tofaeono jumped for joy.

"It was a very long-awaited moment for myself," Talatonu said.

"I don’t know how any girl would feel when she’s proposed to after being with your partner for so long and especially after two kids."

The couple, who are parents to Kingsley, 16 months, and are awaiting the arrival of their next, have been together since 2021.

Talatonu had no clue of her partner’s plans for the grand gesture in front of the club.

But it was fitting as Southern had helped the couple through the highs and the lows of their relationship.

"It was a very emotional one for me.

"The boys at the club had a really big role in helping us sort things out, so to have them be part of it was special.

"We love the culture at Southern.

"They’re very family oriented ... everything good, you could say."