He
joined us from the Poneke club, where he helped clinch the Jubilee Shield in 2003,
in the same year he also played for the Wellington Lions in the NPC in New Zealand,
scoring a try in a thrilling 38-all draw with Canterbury. After
appearing in pre-season friendlies for us against Launceston and Cross Keys, Iva
made his National One debut for us in the league opener against Bristol Shoguns
on Sunday 5th September, 2004, the Pirates losing 20-28 at the Mennaye Field,
but this modest 'perpetual motion' performer crossing for one of our three tries
scored in the match. By
season's end Iva's outstanding contribution on the field was rewarded at the Awards
Night, when he was not only presented with 'The President's Cup' but also the
'Player of the Year' trophy. A further honour - however - soon awaited him, and
in June 2005, he played for Manua Samoa against Australia at the Telstra Stadium,
Sydney, with his most respected opponent and sporting hero - George Smith - opposite
him in the 'Wallabies' back-row. Iva
is a fun-loving man, great with children, who will happily join in and play rugby
with youngsters on the field long after the main game is finished. He
is married to his Australian wife Larni, an accomplished photographer, the couple
having two children. Their son, Denzel, arrived on our shores with mum and dad,
but during their time here young Sienna has appeared - whom we might just claim
to be Cornish! When
Iva eventually hangs up his boots it would appear a logical career choice would
be in graphic design (he designed for us the Cornish Pirates logo), but that's
a while off yet, 'The Jet' still having plenty of power in the engine to keep
going for a few seasons yet. | 
