Freedom of city for Tana

CRAIG SIMCOX/The Dominion Post

Tana Umaga after his last game for the Hurricanes in May.

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Tana Umaga will leave his home town a free man.

Hutt City Council has decided to award the former All Black captain, 34, the "Freedom of the City" in recognition of his contribution to rugby and work with young people in the city.

Born and raised in Wainuiomata and a stalwart of the Petone club, Umaga will play his 100th and final match for Wellington on Saturday, ending a 14-year career in the black and gold Lions jersey.

The Freedom of the City award dates back to medieval England, when communities distinguished between free men and those who were vassals of feudal rulers.

These days the award is a ceremonial honour given by councils to individuals who have given exceptional service to their community.

Mayor David Ogden said the council wanted to acknowledge Umaga's contribution.

"He has been a tremendous role model for children and has used his profile to promote a number of worthy causes."

Umaga will not receive any material benefits from his award, unlike England's 2005 Ashes-winning cricketers.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff discovered his award of the Freedom to the City of Preston entitled him to free beer in the city's bars.

After his final appearance for Wellington against Manawatu on Saturday, Umaga will leave for Toulon rugby club, in the south of France, where he will take over as director of rugby.

- © Fairfax NZ News