Despite his signature smile Manu Vatuvei has had personal struggles and wants to talk about them to help New Zealand youth. Photo / Jason Oxenham
Top sports stars Israel Folau and Manu Vatuvei are switching codes - and touring for God.
The pair are about to embark on a five-night tour of small towns around New Zealand with gospel singer and pastor Lapi Mariner to "inspire and encourage" Kiwi youth.
The sports stars will speak on a ministry tour "Road to Redemption" about how their faith helped them overcome private and public struggles.
There will be an emphasis on the high rate of youth suicide in New Zealand.
Mariner, who sang the 2001 Warriors anthem "Matter of Faith", said he couldn't think of two better men to send a message to teenagers.
"With all the suicides that have been happening around the country we all got together in a cafe and sealed the deal with the boys," Mariner said.
"What better guys than having Manu and Izzy to inspire and encourage young people to realise that no matter what they are going through that there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Mariner said the stars had both been through their ups and downs and would be speaking from a place of personal experience.
Folau, who is engaged to Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia, came under public scrutiny when he switched codes from league to rugby.
Vatuvei recently lost a good friend to suicide and has had personal battles after he was stood down from the Warriors for mixing prescription painkillers with energy drinks.
Vatuvei has also spoken about the off-the-field downside of his career and the toll it has taken on his family, including his children.
He recently broke down in tears speaking to sports broadcaster Tony Veitch about the effects on his family.
Vatuvei said his children had been teased at school because of him.
"That's the toughest thing, when your kids come home crying," Vatuvei said.
"I try to protect them and do my best to take that out of their life."
Mariner said Vatuvei and Folau had "made a huge sacrifice" to join the tour.
"These guys will inspire youth and have volunteered their time which is massive," Mariner said.
"Izzy is preparing for the (Global Rugby) 10s at the moment and Manu is in pre-season training for the Warriors so it is a huge sacrifice."
The five-night tour will be led by Australia-based Kiwi pastor Saia Kailahi. The free event starts with a concert led by Mariner before the inspirational talks and a sermon by Kailahi.
The tour was not organised by any one particular church or denomination but by a group.
"It was a vision of Pastor Saia's to talk about youth suicide and when we heard about it we put our hands up straight away," Mariner said.
Former All Blacks Michael Jones and Eroni Clarke were also involved.
The group will tour from December 16-22 and visit Whakatane, Makaraka, Porirua, Welbourn and Otahuhu.
For more information go to the R Evangelist website.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Motorists are advised to take care around the area.