18 June 2012 Back to Latest News

Chiefs’ hooker and prop Mahonri Schwalger and Sona Taumalolo have decided to auction off their infamous ‘pink boots’ for breast cancer on trademe.

Chiefs’ hooker and prop Mahonri Schwalger and Sona Taumalolo have decided to auction off their infamous ‘pink boots’ for breast cancer.

Samoan Rugby World Cup 2011 Captain, Schwalger and Tongan International Taumalolo created great public interest when they wore the iconic pink boots, during the Chiefs win against the Waratahs earlier in the season.

The front row fathers both have daughters and were proud to break forwards tradition by wearing the brightly coloured boots to support breast cancer. 

Chiefs top try scorer Taumalolo who has become a cult figure for his try scoring prowess was surprised at the interest the pink boots attracted.

“Mahonri asked me if I would be keen to wear pink to support breast cancer and I jumped at the chance but I didn’t appreciate just how much attention they would create” said Sona.

Schwalger acknowledged they started to realized how popular the boots were, when they were continually asked when they going to wear them again.  It was the notoriety of the boots that made the players believe they could use this attention to help raise money for breast cancer.

The boots will be auctioned off on trade me and the auction which started last night will run until Wednesday 27 June at 4pm, with 100% of the profits going to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

Both pair of pink boots to be auctioned off are Mizuno’s and have only been worn once.  Mahonri’s boots are US size 12 and Sona’s boots are US size 13.  The players are happy to personally autograph the boots for the successful bidder.

To bid visit www.trademe and search Chiefs’ boots or search for the auction numbers.  Mahonri’s auction is #485650752 and Sona’s auction is #485654705.

To read the full story behind the player’s reasons for fund raising for breast cancer view the latest issue of the Woman’s Day magazine - Issue 18 June 2012.

Seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in New Zealand.  (statistic www.nzbcf.org.nz)