Tongan Paino Hehea Confirms He Will Retire At The End Of This Season
Paino {40, 1.97 m (6 ft 6 in) 114 kg (251 lb)} joined Ampthill in 2014 and has made 83 appearances in National 1 & National 2 scoring 14 tries. Before Ampthill he played in Italy for Calivisano in European competitions and in France for Racing Metro and also had a spell at Mowden Park in the North of England. He represented Tonga in the Rugby World Cup in 2007 & 2011 and in the Pacific Nations Cup in 2006, 2008 and 2011. This season he has been regularly turning out for Ampthill 1881’s (2ndXV) passing on his years of experience to the graduates of our Academy.
Introduced to Ampthill by our former club Captain Vili Ma’asi he has been a member of the Tongan recruits who collectively have done so much to help the club’s progression.
Paino comments “From the moment I arrived at Ampthill I was made welcome as if I was a member of the club’s family. I’ve had a great time, made a number of friends and have always been smiling. I have watched youngsters come through the system to play for the senior teams and, at the same time, the rugby club develop and grow. I’ve had a great career but time catches up with us all. I’ll still be visiting the club regularly.”
Director of Rugby Mark Lavery comments “Paino was recommended by our former club Captain Vili Ma’asi and has been a huge part of our climb up the leagues to the fringe of the Championship during his time with us. He has been an absolute Gentleman and a pleasure to work with.”
We would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family all the best for their future.
