Nigel Vagana

Nigel Vagana serves as the NRL Education and Welfare Manager for the National Rugby League since January 2009, where a notable contribution includes the conceptualization of the Body Pacifica Exhibition, which received a State-Wide Art Industry Award. Previously, Vagana played professionally for various NRL teams, including the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs, where leadership was demonstrated as captain of the Toa Samoa team during the 2007 World Cup qualifiers and the 2008 World Cup. Vagana's exceptional playing career also includes stints with the Canterbury Bulldogs, Auckland Warriors, and Cronulla Sharks, achieving accolades such as NRL Top Try Scorer in 2002, multiple Dally M Centre of the Year awards, and representing New Zealand in 38 tests, scoring a record 19 tries. Vagana began their professional journey in the SuperLeague with Warrington Wolves and enjoyed additional success as a representative player in international competitions. Academic qualifications include a Diploma of Architectural Technology from St George Institute of TAFE and a Cert IV in Career Development from Australian Trade College.