Injuries prematurely ended his playing career in 2018, although he remained in the spotlight by winning Dancing with the Stars the following year.
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.
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’s satisfaction with his low risk of reoffending.
The experience transformed his outlook and today Vatuvei insists that although it has taken time, he’s in a good place.
“I’m really happy with life,” Vatuvei told the Herald. “My family is good. I’m happy with work and happy with what I’m doing now. I can’t complain.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been getting. I’m always thankful to the man above who has blessed me.
“Now it’s just all about making sure I stay focused on what I’m doing. I never forget that I need time for myself to make sure I’m happy and I’m good. When I am, I’m good for my family and everything that I do.”
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.
He says openly discussing his past has also helped him confront some of his own demons.
“When you go through a tough time, you have a lot of anxieties,” Vatuvei said. “You don’t want to go out because of the shame and embarrassment.
“I was still feeling like that when I went to BBM. But the values that they have align with the values that I believe in.
“It’s just sharing my story. You just don’t 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.
Manu Vatuvei with his trademark try celebration. Photo / Photosport
“Instead of holding those emotions to myself, I can freely open up and it just feels better when I do that.”
Helping others has become one of the most rewarding aspects of his new chapter.
“I’m just giving back now,” Vatuvei said. “I 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’s never too late.”
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.
He first stepped into the ring in 2012 for Fight for Life, defeating Olympic rowing legend Eric Murray by unanimous decision. Six years later, he comfortably beat Dave Letele – his current boss – but plans to continue boxing were put on hold after he was diagnosed with a brain cyst.
He has since been given the green light to fight again and earlier this year, Vatuvei made his return with an emphatic victory over Michael Tuaiti.
On Saturday, he will face former All Black Rene Ranger on the undercard of David Nyika’s title eliminator against Floyd Masson on Auckland’s North Shore.
“I’m just happy Rene put his hand up,” Vatuvei said. “I have respect for what he did on the field. He was dangerous. I know that he’ll train and he’ll be ready, and I’ve just got to make sure I’m ready.”
Vatuvei also has a fight against former Northland Taniwha captain Matt Matich locked in for the end of the month in Whangārei.
Manu Vatuvei will fight Rene Ranger in Auckland on August 8. Photo / Photosport
He has no set timeline for how long he wants to fight. All he knows is that he wants to make the most of it while his body allows.
“It gives you a lot of discipline and focus on what you have to do,” Vatuvei said.
“You’re really independent because it’s just you by yourself, so it’s just more focused on making sure you’re right, making sure your mind is right and your body’s right.
“All those little things all count. My mental health is at its best to where it was before. I’m really happy when my family sees it. That’s all that matters.”
For now, Vatuvei’s priority remains his family and continuing to restore his reputation.
“I just want to give back to them and get my life and get my health back again,” Vatuvei said.
“Just put a better name for my last name. It’s been under a bit of scrutiny with what I did, but now it’s just climbing back up and making sure I do everything right from this point on.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.