Beneath his Brumbies jersey is a permanent reminder of who he is and where he has come from - the tattoo which forms a part of the Super Rugby club's first Pasifika jersey.

Fainga'a is the artist behind the Tongan aspect of the club's jersey which honours six different cultures, to be worn against the Queensland Reds at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

The Tongan design is based on the themes of family, power, life and protection. Around it are designs paying tribute to the Maori people of Aotearoa, and the people of Samoa, Fiji, Niue and the Cook Islands.

Christian Leali'ifano says the way the Brumbies have embraced various cultures is simply "amazing". Here is what it means to play for something more than just your club.

The smile is etched onto Fainga'a's face as he makes his way towards the Canberra Stadium turf, with the flags of the six countries being represented hanging above.

"That one," Fainga'a calls out as with his finger pointing towards the red and white flag of Tonga, "that's the best one."

"I spent a fair bit of my childhood in a Tongan community, going to church. It's always good to touch base with your roots," Fainga'a said. "I've got a whole chest piece tattooed, a few of my mates have a few Tongan patterns. I pinched a few ideas from mine and their tattoos, and put it together on a piece of paper.

"You pick up a fair bit [growing up], you learn to respect your elders, you learn your values and morals within the Tongan community. For me, that was a big part of my life and something I'm thankful that my parents did for me."

Tevita Kuridrani thinks back to the time he and Henry Speight wrote "Fiji" on the tape wrapped around their wrists after a cyclone ripped through their villages.

That's his why. Not fame or glory, but family. That's his inspiration.

"It means a lot, not only for all of us [players], it represents our family and where we have come from," Kuridrani said.

"Wearing it will make us think about our family, and give us another thing to play for."

This means more than just honouring Toni Pulu's Cook Islands and Niue roots. It is a chance to pay tribute to his Tongan background as well.

"My mother is quite into her Pacific side. I got brought up in the Tongan way until I moved out. It's not as strong as it used to be, but I still live it to this day," Pulu said.

"The Tongan people are really respectful, really traditional, they do anything for their elders. That side is what I grew up in and I follow that to this day."

Everyone knows the story of Sio's father David - the Samoan prop that packed down alongside Vili Alaalatoa, Allan's father, in a giant-killing World Cup run.

But this jersey is extra special for the Brumbies prop preparing for his 100^th Super Rugby game.

"My mother has Niuean heritage that dates back to my great grandmother, who came over from Niue to Samoa to start a new life," Sio said.

"That's pretty special, it's something I don't mention a lot but it's something I know my mother is very proud of. To be able to represent that on the jersey, I'm sure she has a sense of pride as well.

"My parents are both Samoans, and for that to be represented through the Pe'a on the front is unreal.

"It's something I don't think has been on any jersey I have seen in professional rugby, so for us to be one of the first to do that is pretty special.

"We were brought up with the customs and traditions similar to a lot of their upbringing. I'm very thankful, it taught me a lot of life lessons about respect, trust, honesty, all the things that are vital in life."

The giant Brumbies lock admits he doesn't know as much about his Maori heritage as he would like to - but that is why this week is so special to Rory Arnold.

"It still means a lot to me. My mum is coming down, I've got more family down here to watch and see this special jersey and see what it means to the players," Arnold said.

"My mum is Maori, she's a proud Aussie now but she's from New Zealand. A lot of her family are Maori, and they have a long line of traditions and family there, so it's good to be able to represent them this week."

Allan Alaalatoa has a permanent reminder of his heritage wrapped around his arm.

But that ink pales in comparison to the impact this jersey can have on kids running around in Samoan villages.

"I was born in Australia but I went to a Samoan church and my parents are both full Samoan. The Samoan culture and heritage was embedded in me from when I was born," Alaalatoa said.

"To get that opportunity to wear it on the jersey on the main stage is huge, and it's something my whole family appreciates.

"It's special for myself and the family.

"To have that jersey forever is very special, so it's a huge occasion."

BRUMBIES NEWS

PASIFIKA HERITAGE

Samoa: Allan Alaalatoa, Len Ikitau, Christian Lealiifano, Les Leuluaialii-Makin, Noah Lolesio, Pete Samu, Irae Simone, Scott Sio, Darcy Swain.

Maori: Rory Arnold, Jahrome Brown, Wharenui Hawera, Chance Peni, Lausii Taliauli.

Tonga: Folau Faingaa, Vunipola Fifita, Toni Pulu, Lausii Taliauli.

Fiji: Tevita Kuridrani, Henry Speight, Rob Valetini.

Niue: Toni Pulu, Irae Simone, Scott Sio.

Cook Islands: Chance Peni, Toni Pulu.