Ronaldo Mulitalo Has Faced Harassment Over Team Choice
The winger received online abuse for representing New Zealand instead of his heritage nation, Samoa.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Soccer
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Rugby league winger Ronaldo Mulitalo has reported receiving direct online harassment regarding his decision to play for New Zealand. He now disables his phone during matches against Samoa to avoid the abuse.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the intense pressure athletes face regarding national identity and heritage when choosing which international team to represent.
Ronaldo Mulitalo has made 9 appearances and scored 7 tries for New Zealand. These figures follow his sole Test appearance for Samoa during the 2019 season.
The players
Ronaldo Mulitalo
He is a professional rugby league winger who represents the New Zealand national team.
Jason Taumalolo
He is a prominent rugby league player who made headlines by choosing to represent Tonga in the 2017 World Cup.
The details
Mulitalo chose to play for New Zealand because it is the country of his birth and upbringing, despite facing criticism from those who believe he should represent Samoa. This pressure has led him to adopt the practice of turning off his phone during contests against the Samoan side.
Timeline
Jason Taumalolo chose to represent Tonga in 2017.
Mulitalo played one Test for Samoa in 2019.
Tonga defeated Australia in 2019.
New Zealand is scheduled to play a World Cup match on October 15.
Season Trajectory
This situation follows a pattern set by Jason Taumalolo's 2017 decision to represent Tonga regarding the complexities of heritage and international eligibility. Such debates continue to influence the competitive balance and roster compositions ahead of major international tournaments.
The winger's availability remains a key factor for New Zealand's squad rotation during the upcoming World Cup tournament. His performance metrics of 7 tries in 9 appearances suggest he will be a central offensive focus in the October 15 match.
The takeaway
The tension between personal national allegiance and heritage-based expectations remains a significant challenge for modern international athletes. Players frequently navigate these pressures while focusing on their performance on the field during high-stakes tournaments.
What happens next
Ronaldo Mulitalo is expected to play in the upcoming World Cup, which includes a scheduled match for New Zealand on October 15.
Further reading
For more on international eligibility debates, see Soccer.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Zero Tackle.
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