The First Nations Pasifika XV squad has assembled in Melbourne after being welcomed to the city with a traditional smoking ceremony by Naarm elders.
While preparation for the Lions will be front and centre for the side, the chance to also learn about each other's cultures will form a key part of the week.
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Following the ceremony, Umaga spoke with media about the cultural aspect driving their side this week - and the values and connection around rugby that will bring them together.
"It's always exciting and very humbling and a privilege to learn about a new culture, especially as one is so old as the First Nations culture," Umaga said on Tuesday.
"To be a part of that is quite emotional. To hear about the struggles and the ongoing struggles that they go through, it does pull on your heartstrings as someone that knows people who have gone through that before.
"It's a very humbling experience and I think really enriching for us as a group.
"I'm a big believer rugby connects everybody that comes in contact with it. I've been fortunate to travel overseas and go to countries that meet people that you wouldn't think rugby is even known.
“Yet, our game reaches a lot of people and a lot of people travel, they come in contact with the game, they love the game, they take it back to their culture and their countries. They believe in the ethos and the values around it.
"I think that's something, while we haven't been part of it for so long, that we've got to keep driving. There are some great lessons that you can learn from our game."
The week will see the side prep for the Lions, but will also be one of learning both on and off the rugby field.
Having been part of the AUNZ preparations, head coach Toutai Kefu is set to take several key learnings into the squad preparations - with Umaga also utilitising his promotion of Pasifika cultures at Moana Pasifika and use it to drive synergy within the group.
"Our resilience, thinking under pressure, also camaraderie I think is a big thing," Umaga added.
"We're a group of men, especially our groups, come together. It's the one place where I see we can't stop men talking.
"I hear outside of these teams where wellbeing and mental health, everyone talks about men not talking. I think as a culture, when they're talking about their culture, you'll see their eyes light up and you'll see them want to talk about it because they feel a connection to it.
"I think there's something in that, in terms of helping in that space."
While Umaga is well-versed in Samoan culture - holding a honorific title of Faʻalogo, meaning 'the listener', the week will also be a chance for him to learn about Australian culture - with Assistant coach Glen Ella and eight players in the side originating from First Nations heritage.
With it will come a chance to take the unique team concept, and put it to task against the best in the world in a high-flying Lions side.
"It's so exciting," said Umaga.
"First Nations and Pasifika team, first of its kind, I like having been a part of something like that. Really promoting culture, our cultures, the cultures of the people of this land, who first and foremost we give our thanks and respect to.
"Then, also combining that with the different cultures within our team. It's something that you'll never get anywhere else. I'm fortunate that I'm involved with a club that promotes our culture of the Pacific.
"I get a new group of guys, some that haven't been involved in that. I can share some of the knowledge that I have, some of the stories, and hopefully that helps them in their next walk of life."
