It was a special 24 hours for Irae Simone and his growing family on Saturday, one he says he will never forget.
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Three milestones were marked, after he welcomed his second child into the world, played a part in his side's first win in four games and honoured his heritage in a Pasifika jersey.
Simone's partner Ella Durheim gave birth to the couple's second child, a baby boy named Rocky, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Later that day the ACT Brumbies player took to the field at Canberra Stadium for his side's 12-10 win against the Wellington Hurricanes.
The 25-year-old said he managed a couple of hours' sleep before the match.
"He was born in the early hours of this morning [Saturday], around probably 1.30am. I was hoping he would wait until Sunday," he joked.
"So not much sleep. I went to bed around probably four o'clock and then I was up probably at seven o'clock, so not a lot of sleep but enough to get up and play.
"It's just good to be back home in Canberra and to get the [win] in front of all our friends and family, especially having a blessing this morning and then winning. It's something pretty cool and it's a day I won't forget."
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Simone showed his commitment to the club following the birth after he received a text from head coach Dan McKellar asking if he was still able to play in Saturday's fixture.
"It just shows my commitment to the team and how much the boys mean to me and my family," he said.
Simone said he was excited for his daughter Oakie to meet her brother in coming days and his partner was doing very well but was looking forward to leaving hospital.
"Rocky's going good, he's all healthy and mum's recovering well. I think she comes home [Sunday] so it's exciting. My daughter's in a bit of a shock, she doesn't know what's gonna hit her," he joked.
"I just can't wait for my daughter Oakie to learn more about her brother and grow up together ... but that's what I'm looking forward to, just having everyone home."
Rocky popped out a week earlier than expected but after his father's almost four-week New Zealand tour, he at least waited until Simone was home.
Following the match and the side's first win in four games, and their first in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman series, Simone said his celebrations would revolve around his family.
McKellar said it had been a special 24 hours for Simone and his family.
"It's been a special 24 hours for Irae and Ella and the family and ... he'll reflect on all of that over the next 24 hours," he said.
The third milestone for Simone on Saturday was the Brumbies' inaugural Pasifika jersey, designed by Angelique Sloss and many of the players.
As one of the main drivers behind the 'Warrior over the Waves' jersey the side donned, Simone said several people had already asked him for one.
"I'll definitely get Rocky one," he said.
"There was a lot of input from the players, so it was something pretty special for everyone. Especially for the Pacific Islanders in the group and for the organisation to allow us to represent our families and our names."
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