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Five brothers, a knack for footy and deep love for their home country: this is the story of the Slaimankhel family who created a championship-aspiring national team from nothing. From Afghanistan, then Pakistan before migrating to Auckland in New Zealand, the Slaimankhel boys were determined to create their own mould in a new country. After recognising rugby union as the backbone of New Zealand, it didn't take long for the Afghan brothers to become known as the foreigners who were making a mark in the country's unofficial national sport.

"Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, in their culture they love rugby, it's just in their blood ... we were in schools that gave us the privilege to play this sport," Zakir, the youngest brother, said.

It wasn't just about the sport and playing rugby, it was about the whole country and how much they've been suffering over the years.

"Sport gets everyone together."

Rugby sevens silver medallists but sponsorless

The team's captain, Omar, is a recognisable face, too, as one of the entertaining contestants with his friend, Osman, on Nine's The Block series this year.

One of the older brothers, Sabir Slaimankhel, had a dream to bring his brothers together to play the sport they love. Source: Supplied / Zakir Slaimankhel

"We had no numbers. We were stuck in Auckland. We were training by ourselves just before the tournament ... it's quite remarkable making it all the way," Sabir said.

Omar (left) and Zakir Slaimankhel (right) are two of the five brothers in the Afghanistan team at the Asia Rugby Sevens Championship in Jakarta in August 2022. Source: Supplied / Zakir Slaimankhel

"We were teary and emotional when we heard that national anthem in the final," Zakir added.

Afghanistan fought all the odds and claimed silver at the Asia Rugby Sevens championship. Source: Supplied / Zakir Slaimankhel

"Quite a lot of people now know Afghanistan has a pretty decent rugby team," Sabir said with a smile.

With most of the team hailing from New Zealand, the boys became national heroes for the Afghan diaspora back home and around the world.

Backing from the All Blacks

According to Curry, their drive for the game they inherited during their childhood in New Zealand was "inspiring".

Sabir (left), Sayear (centre) and Zakir (right) are vying for gold at next year's tournament. Source: Supplied / Zakir Slaimankhel

Honouring their uncle's legacy

Beyond working as an orthopaedic surgeon for decades, he dedicated his spare time to working in refugee charity work.

Dr Hashem Slaimankhel was a prominent New Zealand community leader who spent much of his time helping refugees. In 2018, he lost his life during a bomb attack in Kabul. Source: Facebook

"He just tried to put a smile on other people's lives. And that really implemented something on us, trying to make us better people in life as well."

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How five brothers helped Afghanistan win silver at the Asia Rugby Sevens championship | SBS News - SBS News