The family shifted from Samoa to Kaitangata seven years ago. Faamoe (24) played for the King's High School First XV the following year and also played for the Otago under-18 team.
When his mother died two years ago, he assumed the duty of looking after his younger brothers who are now aged 22, 20, 16 and 13 and all living in Balclutha.
He does the cooking and makes sure the younger boys are ready for school each day.
''It's a bit hard to organise at times,'' he said.
''My aunt comes down occasionally to give me a hand. Everything works OK if they follow my plan.''
The two youngest brothers attend South Otago High School.
Faamoe played for the Kaitangata club last year. He switched allegiance to Southern this year.
Faamoe, whose nickname is Lofi, works for Silver Fern Farms in Balclutha and takes a two-hour return trip to Dunedin for rugby training twice a week and for the game on Saturday.
''When I'm away in Dunedin, Misifosa (22) takes charge of the family,'' Faamoe said.
He is a rugged No 8 who has the strength to carry the ball beyond the advantage line from set pieces and he is dangerous with the ball in hand in the loose.
Faamoe played for the Southern colts in 2010 and also made the Otago colts team.
His long-term goal is to play for Manu Samoa at the next World Cup and he is prepared to put in the work to make it happen.
The player he admires most is former All Black Jerry Collins for his strength and his ability to make ground when carrying the ball.
''I plan to play the game hard and see where it takes me,'' Faamoe said.
Rugby is Faamoe's game. But he also plays recreational volleyball.
''I like trying new things and volleyball is my favourite game,'' Faamoe said.
''But I just play it for fun.''
