Feature: God and family are the two key elements that the Bower family of Taita in Lower Hutt, Wellington, build their lives around.
These values were central to the upbringing of current All Black George Bower, something his family believes has kept the eldest sibling ticking.
They are what his proud parents, dad Niko and mum Kula, point to as the forces that have kept their son's dream alive in a tough and competitive All Blacks environment.
"His real edge? Faith and family values," Niko says. "Kiwi‑raised with Fijian heart. He knows his strength comes from above."
Niko and Kula are pivotal personnel in the family's church community in Aotearoa's capital, as well as the wider Fijian community. They are also a closely-knit family and a big part of their own Avalon Rugby Club, where Niko played in his younger days.
It is the same club where George and his younger siblings, Koli and William, and other family members played for or a playing for.
George Bower of the Crusaders celebrates his try, Crusaders v Blues, round 13 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch.
George, 34, played his 26th Test match for the All Blacks on Saturday, in which the All Blacks defeated Italy 47-17 at Hnry Stadium.
He came off the bench as a substitute in the 49th minute, replacing starting prop Ethan de Groot.
On the stand that night, braving the cold Wellington afternoon, were his dad and mum, who have been basically following their eldest son around, supporting him from the grandstand whenever they can.On the stand also with them were other family members.
George Bower, middle, with dad Niko and mum Kula at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington after the Test match against Italy on 11 July 2026.
Niko says George taking on the field in Wellington on the day was special for them.
"So proud and thankful, just watching him and seeing all his hard work and prayers pay off. We sat together and other family members cheering. Born and bred here in Taita, Lower Hutt, Wellington, means so much to him and us."
Family means a lot to the Bower's, who have paternal ties through their dad Niko to Vagadaci village in Ovalau Island and maternal links to Nakelo in Tailevu, Fiji.
In the Pasifika context, family runs deep and wide and Saturday afternoon saw a whole clan on the grandstand cheering for George.
Muhamed Hasa of Italy and George Bower of New Zealand poses for a photo after the 2026 Nations Championship match at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 11 July 2026.
George was first selected as a squad member in 2020 but did not get to play his first Test until 2021 against Tonga.
Then there years without being considered at all, until 12 months ago when he was brought into the squad as injury cover for his Crusaders teammate Tamaiti Williams, in squad to play France.
"I'm very excited. It's my first time in 2025 pulling on the black jersey, but also my first time in a long time," Bower said then to RNZ.
"My last test was in 2022 against England over there. It's been three years of grind and hard work to get back into the team. I'm super grateful to be back here and hopefully getting an opportunity on Saturday."
