It has been reported by the Samoan Rugby Union that legendary Manu Samoa winger Brian Lima will play his final game on home soil this weekend against Tonga. The "Chiropractor" as he is sometimes known for his bone crunching tackles, was plucked from St Josephs 1st XV in 1990 and has played for the Manu ever since.

Legendary Manu Samoa Brian Lima is calling it quits.
The 35-year-old, who made his debut for the national team as a shy 18-year-old boy out of St Joseph’s College, is set to play his last game for the Manu Samoa in Samoa against Tonga, tomorrow.
Later this year, he would retire from international rugby after the Rugby World Cup in France, if he is selected.
It’s the news Samoan rugby supporters did not want to hear.
“Rugby is a game that requires you to give your best,” the veteran Manu Samoa said, during a press conference at Aggie Grey’s Hotel yesterday.
“If you feel you’re not a hundred percent, then you shouldn’t continue to play.”
But that’s not why Lima is hanging up his boots.

After 17 years of services to Samoan rugby, the winger-cum-midfielder said it was a “timely” decision for several reasons.
“Firstly, I have to listen to my body,” he said. “I’ve always maintained that when my body tells me it’s time to retire, I would.
“I also want to give the opportunity to other players to develop and play their best for Samoa.
“Most importantly, I want to spend time with my family. Being a professional rugby player is a very demanding job. Most of the time I’m separated from my wife and my children and I’m always travelling.
“But I’m at that stage now where I want to focus on other things in life outside rugby.”

Manu Samoa coach La’auli Michael Jones said Lima has earned the respect of the rugby community not only in Samoa, but also across the globe.
“It’s been a real honour and a privilege to have Brian in the Manu Samoa team,” La’auli said. “He has been a wonderful asset, he’s such a consummate professional, a real icon of Samoan rugby.”
La’auli paid tribute to Lima’s commitment to his country and his ability to continue playing professional rugby for so long.
Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Rugby Union, Su’a Peter Schuster, the man who discovered Lima in 1990, said the veteran was a legend whose achievements have made Samoans very proud.
“One thing I’ve been most impressed with about Brian has been his humbleness about his success,” Su’a said. “His commitment to his country cannot be questioned.
“To be able to sustain his strength, endure the pain and work hard for this many years has not been easy,” Su’a said.
“At Brian’s age, to be able to be as good as he is today, he’s had to work a lot harder than most players. He doesn’t just turn up to training. While other players are sleeping, he’s up running in the morning.
“When training finishes and other players walk away, you see Brian doing short sprints, working hard on other areas of his game.
“It’s an indication of his commitment and dedication to his country. He’s been a good example and an inspiration to young players.”

Another Manu Samoa great Lilomaiava Taufusi Salesa said Lima’s commitment to improve his game was what set him apart from the rest.
“He was very disciplined about his training,” Lilomaiava said. “There were many good players, probably better than Brian, but Brian’s commitment and willingness to improve was what made him such a wonderful player.
“He was always willing and determined to learn.”
To be able to represent Samoa for nearly 20 years was a privilege, Lima said.
“And from the bottom of my heart I want to thank you Samoa for your support,” he said.
“I want to thank the Head of State, who is the President of the Samoa Rugby Union, the Prime Minister, who is the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, the Samoa Rugby Union and all our people for your support.
“Without your prayers, I’m certain I wouldn’t be where I’m sitting today.”
Lima also thanked his family for their prayers, especially his wife Sina and their three boys, Brian Telefoni, Maliko Ma’afala and Manu.

Lima made his debut for Samoa back in 1990 and featured in the famous World Cup win over Wales in 1991. He was the youngest player at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
He played Super 12 rugby for Auckland and Otago before moving to Europe where he has featured for clubs such as Munster, Stade Francai, Bristol and Secom.
He is one of relatively few players in history to have appeared in four Rugby World Cups and has taken part in every World Cup match Samoa has ever had.
He is on track to appear in a record fifth in France later this year.

Lima has also been a part of the Pacific Islands combined rugby team.