Injuries prematurely ended his playing career in 2018, although he remained in the spotlight by winning Dancing with the Stars the following year.<\/p>\n
Months later, his life took a dramatic turn when he was charged with importing, possessing and supplying methamphetamine as part of a drug ring led by his elder brother Lopini Mafi.<\/p>\n
After initially maintaining his innocence, Vatuvei ultimately pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison, although he was released after 15 months because of the Parole Board\u2019s satisfaction with his low risk of reoffending.<\/p>\n
The experience transformed his outlook and today Vatuvei insists that although it has taken time, he\u2019s in a good place.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy with life,\u201d Vatuvei told the Herald. \u201cMy family is good. I\u2019m happy with work and happy with what I\u2019m doing now. I can\u2019t complain.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really grateful for the opportunities that I\u2019ve been getting. I\u2019m always thankful to the man above who has blessed me.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow it\u2019s just all about making sure I stay focused on what I\u2019m doing. I never forget that I need time for myself to make sure I\u2019m happy and I\u2019m good. When I am, I\u2019m good for my family and everything that I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
His role at BBM has given Vatuvei a renewed sense of purpose, allowing him to use his experiences to support others facing their own struggles.<\/p>\n
He says openly discussing his past has also helped him confront some of his own demons.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you go through a tough time, you have a lot of anxieties,\u201d Vatuvei said. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to go out because of the shame and embarrassment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was still feeling like that when I went to BBM. But the values that they have align with the values that I believe in.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just sharing my story. You just don\u2019t know the people that are going through the same thing too. For me to be there and help them out and just talk about my life, it just takes a little bit of weight off my back.<\/p>\n
Manu Vatuvei with his trademark try celebration. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of holding those emotions to myself, I can freely open up and it just feels better when I do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Helping others has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his new chapter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just giving back now,\u201d Vatuvei said. \u201cI always give my time a lot to other people and to my work to make sure that I give them everything that I can. Just to make them feel good about themselves and understand that it\u2019s never too late.\u201d<\/p>\n
Away from BBM, boxing has given the 29-test Kiwi another outlet to channel his energy while reinforcing the discipline, health and wellbeing that have become central to his life.<\/p>\n
He first stepped into the ring in 2012 for Fight for Life, defeating Olympic rowing legend Eric Murray<\/a> by unanimous decision. Six years later, he comfortably beat Dave Letele<\/a> \u2013 his current boss \u2013 but plans to continue boxing were put on hold after he was diagnosed with a brain cyst.<\/p>\n