Moana Pasifika's future is hanging in the balance, and there's a rugby consortium hoping to save the team.
Kanaloa Consortium are trying to buy the licence for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise in order to revitalise it.
John Afoa, Ben Atiga, and Sam Tuitupou joined Piney to discuss.
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Pacifica's future has become one of the biggest talking points
in New Zealand rugby. With a Pacific led consortium keen
to take over the running of the franchise, Caniloa Rugby
wants a stronger Pacific voice, greater transparency and a long
term model built by Pacificer people for Pacifica Rugby. Three
(00:33):
members of the Carniloa Rugby Consortium with us in studio.
Blues Centurion thirty six test All Blacks front row and
our GM of University rugby, set piece coach at Counties
and head coach of the New Zealand Underrady five team.
John r Far Nice to see you, yeah, cheers mate,
how very well, thanks John. Great to have you with
(00:53):
us and joining us online. Former Auckland Otago, Blues, Edinburgh
and All Blacks fullback now working in player welfare. Ben Tinger.
Good to have you along, Ben. How are you doing
very good? Thanks Jeremy, good to have you here. And
former Blues chiefs Auckland and All Blacks midfielder now running
his own player agency. Sam to it took poor. Nice
to see you, Sam. Are you doing yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Good, thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
It's great to have you all here as we try
to find a way through this and try to find
a way to keep more on a Pacifica alive. I
guess the first question really is about each of your
involvements and why you want to be involved in in
kind of Laura Rugby and keeping Mawana going, John, can
I start with you, what's the motivation behind your involvement?
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Well, I guess let's just keeping like Pacifica Rugby going.
And when Tracy Matt came to us, what five six
years ago, and they're already in that sort of community space,
Pacifica space, and they're like, oh, look man, we need
to do some kind of team to have players have
a real pathway into professional contracts overseas and then obviously
into the international game for the home nations. And you know,
we talked about it, and we started conversations and we
(01:55):
had a chant six years ago to do something and
here we are, you know, five years later, and I
think it's around giving back, it's around looking after our heritage,
and you know, just it's in an exciting brand of
footy that the Islanders play and you don't want to
make sure that's still going.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Okay, it's got to you. Sam. Do those sort of
things resonate with you as well? Is that your reason
for being involved even though you're you're twelve thousand miles
away at the moment.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Yeah, no, exactly, And I guess, you know, for me,
and I think that's one of the biggest things about
me be becoming a player agent as well, is like
helping boys finding them opportunity abroad and you know, and
exciting to see like our players that are going on
and representing other countries in that. But I think it's
time for us to sort of start, you know, for
the for our players to have their own pathway and
(02:38):
then be able to play for tom and Salmore because
what being a game would be, you know, to see
as Tomra and Salmore and Fiji and that actually you know,
compete against New Zealand and Australia and you know that
will just create such a awesome atmosphere but a good
competition as well.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
And for you, Ben, this is something that is deeply
personal for you as well.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
Yeah, obviously we're all sort of Islanders in this group,
you know, so rugby as well. We know this and
so the naturally we want to be of service to
the Pacific rugby and our people. You know, that's just
that's just who we are. Services is one of the
courtstones of our values as Pacific people. So you know,
we're all working in different spaces, but within the professional game,
(03:25):
you know. So it's it's a huge opportunity for us
to be able to contribute to something that we've already
been in, you know, our entire lives.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Almost Sam, can I come back to you because as
you say, you're involved in in player agency, how can
do you think PACIFICA players would be to play for
Mowana if they knew that it was financially stable and
that it provided that pathway for them into professional rugby
but also to their respective national sides.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
I think massively. You know, you look at the likes
of Fiji Lawyer. You know, you've got the super rugby
where's thriving Withdrewa. You know, many boys now are looking
to sort of head back to to Fiji because they
want to be home with the family, they want to
grow up with their cousins and that so I think
it's just time now that we can sort of create
this halfway for not only for feed you before Tomorre
(04:15):
and some more as well.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
John. So what's happened here right Mawana Pacifica. Basically we
you know, the current ownership groups has said we can't
continue to be involved in the funding of this franchise
and so if a new backer is not found, then
this franchise will fold. What's the situation with Kaneaisa Rugby
and taking this over and keeping this franchise going.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
I think it just continues from our journey of five
years ago when we sort of put the bid in
for that superfranchise license and we're unsuccessful and we sort
of said let them take over, and when they got
the bid, so we're like, oh, look, congrats, you're looking
out for the Pacifica Rugby. Then you know, we met
them last year when there was issues around sort of
taking over and they said, you know it's it's okay,
(04:59):
Well you know we've got something else sort of so
that's great. And then I think over the last couple
of months with the news broke, it was a bit
of a of a shock and and firstly around the
team and the news that we got, but then straight
away to the players and then to the management and
to all the people that involved them more on a
Pacifica and their sort of lovelihood. So I think now
it's just around discussions and getting the noise out there
(05:20):
that yeah, we're here, we want to help, we want
to keep it going, and we want to make sure
there's something for our Pacifica people going forward.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
So what's happened here then, because by the sounds of it,
you've been you've been willing to help, willing to step
and willing to say, hey, let's keep things going here.
What has happened? Where where are we right now? In
terms of that discussion, Well.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I think it's it's a mixture of just trying to
get in front of the right people, and you know,
there's a lot of different parties involved, as you know,
and you know, you talk to one person, then you
go to another conversation, they tell you to go back
to the other person. So it's like a mixture, and
you know, we're really looking for some real clarity because
we want to get this going, but we need to
make sure that you know, we sit in front of
everyone and we know what they want and we know
(06:01):
what we're actually getting because I think that's the big
one where yeah, we want to help take over the team,
we want to keep it going, but when to make
sure you know what's evolved in and that's the real
conversation we need to have with the likes of injured
R and injured op A Ben.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Do you feel as though you'll be able to get
that clarity as a as a group, do you feel
as though I mean, like I say, you guys are
on the other side of the world, but technology is
a wonderful thing. I know you're in constant communication with
one another and with these interested parties. Do you have
a confidence that you'll you'll be successful in this that
Mowana can continue.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:30):
Yeah, we hope, you know, we hope that that that
we can get some clarity on it. You know, you know,
we've been reaching out to to arone involved with the
decision process and you know, so it's really I guess
difficult to understand as two why why there's been a
breakdown of communication to start. So we're just kind of,
(06:52):
you know, we're hopeful that that that we will get
this over the line. But you know, again, it's it's
it's going to take some you know, very open and
honest kind of north conversations for people who you're obviously
make a decisions around license.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Just on the area that you're involved in player welfare.
How stressful a situation must this be for Moana's players
with the uncertainty that they don't know whether this is
a team that they'll be able to play for anymore.
They've got families, they've got livelihoods, this is their job.
How stressful is it for these players right now?
Speaker 5 (07:26):
Ah? Yeah, you know it's tough because you know they're
all going to be in different obviously circumstances situations, and
but you know, you've got guys who have been in
the game for a while, so guys who have just
come into the pro game, you know, for guys who
have been in the game, you know for for a
good amount of years. You know, it's it's and it
comes at a complete shop like this and a very
(07:48):
sudden stop. You know, it's a very challenging time for them,
you know, to to answer those questions of what's next.
But then along, you know, I think the biggest thing
is the kind of psychological impact that comes with that
comes with change, a change of a new career or
having to go into a new career. You know, there's
you know, there's huge identity crisis around professional sport, and
(08:12):
so those I think it's more around the psychological side
of things that players are going to really struggle with,
you know. And obviously you've got younger players or players
are new to the pro environment who are potentially going
to be you know, without a contract next year or elsewhere.
You know, they've got to weigh up you know, the
(08:35):
kind of again, like like I mentioned, the kind of
psychological psychological impacts that will come with with that. You know,
there's a lot of you there's obviously you get your
stresses around your kind of financial transition as well, you know,
and making sure that you've prepared and and that you
have the kind of the skills and tools to be
able to kind of make a smooth as transition as
(08:55):
possible out of the game.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
You know.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
So there's a lot of a lot of things, a
lot of I guess a lot of this is that
they're spinning for all at once, you know, so I
can't imagine how difficult it is for the players, but
again for the people around them that they're hugely Obviously
the most important people to them, which are their family
and their friends.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Sam, can I come to you? It was a similar
question to the one I asked before. But we know
that family is tremendously important to people from the Pacific Island.
So how good was it to be able to be
able to place players or to have a place for
players to play close to their families. They didn't have
to go to the UK as you know, as many
(09:38):
have in the past, They could stay based around New Zealand,
based close to their families. How big an attraction was
that and how you know, how cool a thing and
good a thing was that for these players?
Speaker 3 (09:49):
Yeah? No, no, it's something that's really special when you know,
I currently have a son who's in on one at
the moment, you know, and he would love to stay
in New Zealand and carry on that pathway because he
loves being around family. I know how difficult is for
me leaving New Zealand back in two thousand and seven,
you know, And and that's something that you know, they're all
(10:10):
the sticks back in my mind is like being able
to play in front of all my family, you know.
I used to have like sixty sixty sixty sixty people,
our family members come to my game, something that are
cherished and unfortunately, like you know, my son, who's my
younger son, who's here, he's playing rugby, you know, and
he has me and in a couple of cousins and
(10:30):
friends that come watch him, you know. Where I want
him to have that experience of having all the family
members and the come and watch him. So I think
there's something that our boys definitely miss out, but something
that they'll cherish if we can still create their pathway
for them.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
John, what would more on the Pacific actually look like
and feel like under Canda Loa.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Oh, I think it'll be very much. I wouldn't say
the same, but you'll have to start somewhere. And I
think that the bones of it are there because what
is it for as a team for the Pacific? That's
a team for pathway for guys for a future, as
to represent a heritage. So I think those things weren't changed.
Other things that might change or just be how we
do business because the business hasn't seemed to work because
(11:11):
they haven't got the funds to run it. So and
I think that's when we have some great people behind us.
We have trades who's running the cut for us, who's
very sharp. So I think that will be the big change.
I think the shop window people will see a great product,
some great footy, exciting food, the somewhere to go with
your family watch Rugby. Behind the scenes we've messed. That's
where the big changes will mesturably happen.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
We're talking about this a lot as a group, you know,
and you know, we believe that under a kind of
law group, we believe in a stronger wana franchise, you know,
a financially discipline and stable franchise, a franchise with the
player identity, a franchise that would adopt smarter business strategies.
(11:56):
You know, we'd like to create stronger links to communities
throughout digital content, our grassroots programs. And something that is
also really big within our group that we talk about
LOT is actually wanting to build partnerships with PACIFICA owned
businesses as well.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Is that something that you don't feel has been done?
Speaker 5 (12:14):
Uh yeah, to a degree, you know it's for us though,
it's it's it's a huge thing because you know, I
guess there's always been a mentality around you know, within
PACIFICA communities there you know that we can't we can't
lead or government ourselves and and any kind of I
(12:37):
guess entrupneural environment, you know. So you know, that's where
we want to empower, you know, the community around us
and bring them with us on this journey.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
What strikes me is the best people to run PACIFICA
rugby pacifica people. That just strikes me as just basic
common sense. But the dollars and cents have to be
there as well. And John, you alluded to it is
the money there?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Well, that's it. I think I'm beginning asked every other day,
is the money there? And you're can ask the load
because they've I've seen the cash and then the light
that the financial check earlier last year and they had
no issue either. So I think that's always the one.
People are like, oh okay, and some people might think
it's unfair, but obviously off mine are sort of falling
over here. They're like, oh, that's going to be the question.
So the money's here. I think that's the key, and
(13:20):
then everything else needs to be right too, because this
won't be enough. You need the right people, you need
the right players, you need the right strategy. So it's
the whole package and we think we can sort offer that.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So I'm still trying to get my head around where
we are with this whole thing, where we currently said, who,
what is the next step go to you? Sam? What
is the next step here? Who do you need to
talk to? What do you need to get across the line?
How can we make this happen? The current Super Rugby
season's only got a month to go and then there's
no more Moana unless you guys or somebody else steps in.
So where are we Sam? Who? Who are the most
(13:49):
important people to have conversations with? And what would you
say to them if you if you had the chance
to get in front of them.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Yeah, I think it's about you know, really reaching out
to you know, we we have made that contact with them,
but it's about them coming down and then sitting at
the table and understanding where we're coming from. Everything has
been you know that they've had that five years ago
and we're still we presented it last year as well,
so we still have that in place. You know, we
(14:14):
just need them to have a look at it and
have a proper conversation. And you know, we've been reaching
out you know for so long now and now it's
about them sort of taking the next step. They've got
to meet us halfway now because and now action needs
to be backed up with words going forward.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
So when you say them, you're talking New Zealand Rugby,
New Zealand Rugby Players Association, the current owners at NUANA.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Yeah, I'm talking about current owners of my PM and
also in New Zoom Place Player Association and ZIM Rugby.
You know, we hopefully we can get that over the
line in the next couple of weeks, you know, just
sit down with them, just so that we can have
a fair sort of communication for for a lot. So
then that way we're not just dealing with one group,
(14:59):
we're dealing with run all together in the office.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
How optimistic do you feel, Sam?
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Listen? You know run the deadline and and where we
say that everything happens for a reason, then you know
it's all in God's plans. But you know, I feel
there's been a big, big shift in the last couple
of weeks, but we're still not there. So you know,
at the moment, I'm still fifty to fifty. But if
we can get to the right people in that and
(15:27):
sit down and talk about it, I think we can
really get get it over the line.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
And then if you sat down with the right people.
I mean it feels to me from chatting to the
three of you here that you'd be able to get
the messaging across. Do you feel as though if you
are in the right room with the right people, that
you'd be able to get the messaging across that would
convince them that this is the way forward for this team.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Yeah, We're very confident in our group, you know. We
you know, we have the we have the right people
in place. You know, we have the funding, we have
the model, we have the community backing, you know, and
we have the well, we have the will, we have
the drives to make this happen. And like we've said before,
(16:08):
you know, all we need is is to have that
one shot and we just need to have that conversation
with the right people, you know, with as Samuel was mentioned,
as Sammy mentioned, you know, to Throb Nickel out in
JEDRPA and with with the pm A group as well.
You know, I think if we sit down and have
a talk, we can you know, we can we can
(16:29):
clear up you know, any any kind of clutter that
has happened in the past, you know, at the end
of the day, it's it's all about business, and you know,
and it's and obviously this is something that's very meaningful
to all of us in this group and to the
the pm A group, you know, So it's hugely important
for us to just get together, sit down and have
(16:49):
a constructive conversation to see what we can do to
to keep one specific alife.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
Just to finish with you, John, what what message would
you like to give to to Pacific Island rugby fans,
to Malana fans, to those in the Pacific Island rugby community.
What do you want them to hear it today?
Speaker 4 (17:07):
I think it's just hearing there's still a chance and
we're still here. We're still going to push for that
PACIFICA rugby team, and then just for them to keep
showing their support and keep using their voices, because I
think that's been the big one. We've been working by
and closed doors the last five years, trying to get
things done and it sort of get shut down. But
because it's behind closed doors, no nobody hears about it.
(17:28):
We're at the moment it's sort of front and center,
and it's not I wouldn't say he's putting a lot
of pressure on the other parties. But then it's making
people accountable and if they say no, then these most
probably needs to be a good reason why, or people
will be like, well why not.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
You know, do you think they'll say yes?
Speaker 4 (17:45):
You know, I'd love just to think they'll say yes,
But they did it five years ago, and then you know,
there's a lot of other things that need to get sorted. Yes,
they might inter Ande, I might say yes, interne up
is still going to take it off, and then we
still need to see you know, what MP and how
they've operated and their true numbers. So you know, we're
definitely here to get it done, but you know, there's
so many other things that still need to come into
(18:05):
play for us.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
There's a lot of people talking the talk. It's great
to have you guys and the rest of your consortium
walking the walk. It's been great to get some clarity today. Benartinga,
Sam Tuitupaul John R. Fire, thanks for being with us,
and let's hope that the way forward is a positive
one for MOEA Pacifica. It feels like it's in good
hands to me. If you guys can get this across
the lines so thanks so much for taking the time today.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
All right, thank you?
Speaker 2 (18:27):
No thanks guys. Three members there of the Canaia Rugby
Consortium John r Fo, Benartinga Sam two all former All Blacks.
Others in the consortium Jerome Kinor, Joe Rocathocco, Anthony Turtevaki
and Benson Stanley, among others. So I must admit, even
after that, I'm still slightly confused about one major thing here.
(18:48):
Why is collaboration not happening to save this team? There
are four parties involved here as far as I can see,
New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Rugby Plaze Association, the
current owners PMA and these prospective owners Canilaia Rugby. Surely,
to goodness they can all get around a table and
work this out. If Canillawa have the funding to keep
(19:12):
Moana Pacifica going, and they say they do, why wouldn't
the license be transferred at the very least, Why wouldn't
it be investigated as a possibility. Why wouldn't everybody involved
be doing everything they possibly can to keep this franchise alive.
(19:33):
At their best, Mawana Pacifica bring a huge amount to
super rugby on and off the field last year was
a great example of that. They played well, they won
a lot of games, they almost made the playoffs, the
crowds turned up and Mowana last year were the darlings
of the competition. Yes, Ardie Savier was there, that was
a big part of it, but surely it wasn't just him,
(19:53):
not just one player. This team and its community can
add plenty to Super rugby. If it can be saved,
it should be so, surely, because what's the alternative.
Speaker 1 (20:10):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
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the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Pacifica's future has become one of the biggest talking points
in New Zealand rugby. With a Pacific led consortium keen
to take over the running of the franchise, Caniloa Rugby
wants a stronger Pacific voice, greater transparency and a long
term model built by Pacificer people for Pacifica Rugby. Three
(00:33):
members of the Carniloa Rugby Consortium with us in studio.
Blues Centurion thirty six test All Blacks front row and
our GM of University rugby, set piece coach at Counties
and head coach of the New Zealand Underrady five team.
John r Far Nice to see you, yeah, cheers mate,
how very well, thanks John. Great to have you with
(00:53):
us and joining us online. Former Auckland Otago, Blues, Edinburgh
and All Blacks fullback now working in player welfare. Ben Tinger.
Good to have you along, Ben. How are you doing
very good? Thanks Jeremy, good to have you here. And
former Blues chiefs Auckland and All Blacks midfielder now running
his own player agency. Sam to it took poor. Nice
to see you, Sam. Are you doing yeah?
Speaker 3 (01:13):
Good, thank you.
Speaker 2 (01:14):
It's great to have you all here as we try
to find a way through this and try to find
a way to keep more on a Pacifica alive. I
guess the first question really is about each of your
involvements and why you want to be involved in in
kind of Laura Rugby and keeping Mawana going, John, can
I start with you, what's the motivation behind your involvement?
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Well, I guess let's just keeping like Pacifica Rugby going.
And when Tracy Matt came to us, what five six
years ago, and they're already in that sort of community space,
Pacifica space, and they're like, oh, look man, we need
to do some kind of team to have players have
a real pathway into professional contracts overseas and then obviously
into the international game for the home nations. And you know,
we talked about it, and we started conversations and we
(01:55):
had a chant six years ago to do something and
here we are, you know, five years later, and I
think it's around giving back, it's around looking after our heritage,
and you know, just it's in an exciting brand of
footy that the Islanders play and you don't want to
make sure that's still going.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
Okay, it's got to you. Sam. Do those sort of
things resonate with you as well? Is that your reason
for being involved even though you're you're twelve thousand miles
away at the moment.
Speaker 3 (02:17):
Yeah, no, exactly, And I guess, you know, for me,
and I think that's one of the biggest things about
me be becoming a player agent as well, is like
helping boys finding them opportunity abroad and you know, and
exciting to see like our players that are going on
and representing other countries in that. But I think it's
time for us to sort of start, you know, for
the for our players to have their own pathway and
(02:38):
then be able to play for tom and Salmore because
what being a game would be, you know, to see
as Tomra and Salmore and Fiji and that actually you know,
compete against New Zealand and Australia and you know that
will just create such a awesome atmosphere but a good
competition as well.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
And for you, Ben, this is something that is deeply
personal for you as well.
Speaker 3 (03:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (03:00):
Yeah, obviously we're all sort of Islanders in this group,
you know, so rugby as well. We know this and
so the naturally we want to be of service to
the Pacific rugby and our people. You know, that's just
that's just who we are. Services is one of the
courtstones of our values as Pacific people. So you know,
we're all working in different spaces, but within the professional game,
(03:25):
you know. So it's it's a huge opportunity for us
to be able to contribute to something that we've already
been in, you know, our entire lives.
Speaker 2 (03:34):
Almost Sam, can I come back to you because as
you say, you're involved in in player agency, how can
do you think PACIFICA players would be to play for
Mowana if they knew that it was financially stable and
that it provided that pathway for them into professional rugby
but also to their respective national sides.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
I think massively. You know, you look at the likes
of Fiji Lawyer. You know, you've got the super rugby
where's thriving Withdrewa. You know, many boys now are looking
to sort of head back to to Fiji because they
want to be home with the family, they want to
grow up with their cousins and that so I think
it's just time now that we can sort of create
this halfway for not only for feed you before Tomorre
(04:15):
and some more as well.
Speaker 2 (04:16):
John. So what's happened here right Mawana Pacifica. Basically we
you know, the current ownership groups has said we can't
continue to be involved in the funding of this franchise
and so if a new backer is not found, then
this franchise will fold. What's the situation with Kaneaisa Rugby
and taking this over and keeping this franchise going.
Speaker 4 (04:38):
I think it just continues from our journey of five
years ago when we sort of put the bid in
for that superfranchise license and we're unsuccessful and we sort
of said let them take over, and when they got
the bid, so we're like, oh, look, congrats, you're looking
out for the Pacifica Rugby. Then you know, we met
them last year when there was issues around sort of
taking over and they said, you know it's it's okay,
(04:59):
Well you know we've got something else sort of so
that's great. And then I think over the last couple
of months with the news broke, it was a bit
of a of a shock and and firstly around the
team and the news that we got, but then straight
away to the players and then to the management and
to all the people that involved them more on a
Pacifica and their sort of lovelihood. So I think now
it's just around discussions and getting the noise out there
(05:20):
that yeah, we're here, we want to help, we want
to keep it going, and we want to make sure
there's something for our Pacifica people going forward.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
So what's happened here then, because by the sounds of it,
you've been you've been willing to help, willing to step
and willing to say, hey, let's keep things going here.
What has happened? Where where are we right now? In
terms of that discussion, Well.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I think it's it's a mixture of just trying to
get in front of the right people, and you know,
there's a lot of different parties involved, as you know,
and you know, you talk to one person, then you
go to another conversation, they tell you to go back
to the other person. So it's like a mixture, and
you know, we're really looking for some real clarity because
we want to get this going, but we need to
make sure that you know, we sit in front of
everyone and we know what they want and we know
(06:01):
what we're actually getting because I think that's the big
one where yeah, we want to help take over the team,
we want to keep it going, but when to make
sure you know what's evolved in and that's the real
conversation we need to have with the likes of injured
R and injured op A Ben.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
Do you feel as though you'll be able to get
that clarity as a as a group, do you feel
as though I mean, like I say, you guys are
on the other side of the world, but technology is
a wonderful thing. I know you're in constant communication with
one another and with these interested parties. Do you have
a confidence that you'll you'll be successful in this that
Mowana can continue.
Speaker 4 (06:30):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (06:30):
Yeah, we hope, you know, we hope that that that
we can get some clarity on it. You know, you know,
we've been reaching out to to arone involved with the
decision process and you know, so it's really I guess
difficult to understand as two why why there's been a
breakdown of communication to start. So we're just kind of,
(06:52):
you know, we're hopeful that that that we will get
this over the line. But you know, again, it's it's
it's going to take some you know, very open and
honest kind of north conversations for people who you're obviously
make a decisions around license.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Just on the area that you're involved in player welfare.
How stressful a situation must this be for Moana's players
with the uncertainty that they don't know whether this is
a team that they'll be able to play for anymore.
They've got families, they've got livelihoods, this is their job.
How stressful is it for these players right now?
Speaker 5 (07:26):
Ah? Yeah, you know it's tough because you know they're
all going to be in different obviously circumstances situations, and
but you know, you've got guys who have been in
the game for a while, so guys who have just
come into the pro game, you know, for guys who
have been in the game, you know for for a
good amount of years. You know, it's it's and it
comes at a complete shop like this and a very
(07:48):
sudden stop. You know, it's a very challenging time for them,
you know, to to answer those questions of what's next.
But then along, you know, I think the biggest thing
is the kind of psychological impact that comes with that
comes with change, a change of a new career or
having to go into a new career. You know, there's
you know, there's huge identity crisis around professional sport, and
(08:12):
so those I think it's more around the psychological side
of things that players are going to really struggle with,
you know. And obviously you've got younger players or players
are new to the pro environment who are potentially going
to be you know, without a contract next year or elsewhere.
You know, they've got to weigh up you know, the
(08:35):
kind of again, like like I mentioned, the kind of
psychological psychological impacts that will come with with that. You know,
there's a lot of you there's obviously you get your
stresses around your kind of financial transition as well, you know,
and making sure that you've prepared and and that you
have the kind of the skills and tools to be
able to kind of make a smooth as transition as
(08:55):
possible out of the game.
Speaker 3 (08:57):
You know.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
So there's a lot of a lot of things, a
lot of I guess a lot of this is that
they're spinning for all at once, you know, so I
can't imagine how difficult it is for the players, but
again for the people around them that they're hugely Obviously
the most important people to them, which are their family
and their friends.
Speaker 2 (09:18):
Sam, can I come to you? It was a similar
question to the one I asked before. But we know
that family is tremendously important to people from the Pacific Island.
So how good was it to be able to be
able to place players or to have a place for
players to play close to their families. They didn't have
to go to the UK as you know, as many
(09:38):
have in the past, They could stay based around New Zealand,
based close to their families. How big an attraction was
that and how you know, how cool a thing and
good a thing was that for these players?
Speaker 3 (09:49):
Yeah? No, no, it's something that's really special when you know,
I currently have a son who's in on one at
the moment, you know, and he would love to stay
in New Zealand and carry on that pathway because he
loves being around family. I know how difficult is for
me leaving New Zealand back in two thousand and seven,
you know, And and that's something that you know, they're all
(10:10):
the sticks back in my mind is like being able
to play in front of all my family, you know.
I used to have like sixty sixty sixty sixty people,
our family members come to my game, something that are
cherished and unfortunately, like you know, my son, who's my
younger son, who's here, he's playing rugby, you know, and
he has me and in a couple of cousins and
(10:30):
friends that come watch him, you know. Where I want
him to have that experience of having all the family
members and the come and watch him. So I think
there's something that our boys definitely miss out, but something
that they'll cherish if we can still create their pathway
for them.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
John, what would more on the Pacific actually look like
and feel like under Canda Loa.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
Oh, I think it'll be very much. I wouldn't say
the same, but you'll have to start somewhere. And I
think that the bones of it are there because what
is it for as a team for the Pacific? That's
a team for pathway for guys for a future, as
to represent a heritage. So I think those things weren't changed.
Other things that might change or just be how we
do business because the business hasn't seemed to work because
(11:11):
they haven't got the funds to run it. So and
I think that's when we have some great people behind us.
We have trades who's running the cut for us, who's
very sharp. So I think that will be the big change.
I think the shop window people will see a great product,
some great footy, exciting food, the somewhere to go with
your family watch Rugby. Behind the scenes we've messed. That's
where the big changes will mesturably happen.
Speaker 5 (11:32):
We're talking about this a lot as a group, you know,
and you know, we believe that under a kind of
law group, we believe in a stronger wana franchise, you know,
a financially discipline and stable franchise, a franchise with the
player identity, a franchise that would adopt smarter business strategies.
(11:56):
You know, we'd like to create stronger links to communities
throughout digital content, our grassroots programs. And something that is
also really big within our group that we talk about
LOT is actually wanting to build partnerships with PACIFICA owned
businesses as well.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Is that something that you don't feel has been done?
Speaker 5 (12:14):
Uh yeah, to a degree, you know it's for us though,
it's it's it's a huge thing because you know, I
guess there's always been a mentality around you know, within
PACIFICA communities there you know that we can't we can't
lead or government ourselves and and any kind of I
(12:37):
guess entrupneural environment, you know. So you know, that's where
we want to empower, you know, the community around us
and bring them with us on this journey.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
What strikes me is the best people to run PACIFICA
rugby pacifica people. That just strikes me as just basic
common sense. But the dollars and cents have to be
there as well. And John, you alluded to it is
the money there?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Well, that's it. I think I'm beginning asked every other day,
is the money there? And you're can ask the load
because they've I've seen the cash and then the light
that the financial check earlier last year and they had
no issue either. So I think that's always the one.
People are like, oh okay, and some people might think
it's unfair, but obviously off mine are sort of falling
over here. They're like, oh, that's going to be the question.
So the money's here. I think that's the key, and
(13:20):
then everything else needs to be right too, because this
won't be enough. You need the right people, you need
the right players, you need the right strategy. So it's
the whole package and we think we can sort offer that.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
So I'm still trying to get my head around where
we are with this whole thing, where we currently said, who,
what is the next step go to you? Sam? What
is the next step here? Who do you need to
talk to? What do you need to get across the line?
How can we make this happen? The current Super Rugby
season's only got a month to go and then there's
no more Moana unless you guys or somebody else steps in.
So where are we Sam? Who? Who are the most
(13:49):
important people to have conversations with? And what would you
say to them if you if you had the chance
to get in front of them.
Speaker 3 (13:54):
Yeah, I think it's about you know, really reaching out
to you know, we we have made that contact with them,
but it's about them coming down and then sitting at
the table and understanding where we're coming from. Everything has
been you know that they've had that five years ago
and we're still we presented it last year as well,
so we still have that in place. You know, we
(14:14):
just need them to have a look at it and
have a proper conversation. And you know, we've been reaching
out you know for so long now and now it's
about them sort of taking the next step. They've got
to meet us halfway now because and now action needs
to be backed up with words going forward.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
So when you say them, you're talking New Zealand Rugby,
New Zealand Rugby Players Association, the current owners at NUANA.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Yeah, I'm talking about current owners of my PM and
also in New Zoom Place Player Association and ZIM Rugby.
You know, we hopefully we can get that over the
line in the next couple of weeks, you know, just
sit down with them, just so that we can have
a fair sort of communication for for a lot. So
then that way we're not just dealing with one group,
(14:59):
we're dealing with run all together in the office.
Speaker 2 (15:02):
How optimistic do you feel, Sam?
Speaker 3 (15:05):
Listen? You know run the deadline and and where we
say that everything happens for a reason, then you know
it's all in God's plans. But you know, I feel
there's been a big, big shift in the last couple
of weeks, but we're still not there. So you know,
at the moment, I'm still fifty to fifty. But if
we can get to the right people in that and
(15:27):
sit down and talk about it, I think we can
really get get it over the line.
Speaker 2 (15:30):
And then if you sat down with the right people.
I mean it feels to me from chatting to the
three of you here that you'd be able to get
the messaging across. Do you feel as though if you
are in the right room with the right people, that
you'd be able to get the messaging across that would
convince them that this is the way forward for this team.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Yeah.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Yeah, We're very confident in our group, you know. We
you know, we have the we have the right people
in place. You know, we have the funding, we have
the model, we have the community backing, you know, and
we have the well, we have the will, we have
the drives to make this happen. And like we've said before,
(16:08):
you know, all we need is is to have that
one shot and we just need to have that conversation
with the right people, you know, with as Samuel was mentioned,
as Sammy mentioned, you know, to Throb Nickel out in
JEDRPA and with with the pm A group as well.
You know, I think if we sit down and have
a talk, we can you know, we can we can
(16:29):
clear up you know, any any kind of clutter that
has happened in the past, you know, at the end
of the day, it's it's all about business, and you know,
and it's and obviously this is something that's very meaningful
to all of us in this group and to the
the pm A group, you know, So it's hugely important
for us to just get together, sit down and have
(16:49):
a constructive conversation to see what we can do to
to keep one specific alife.
Speaker 2 (16:55):
Just to finish with you, John, what what message would
you like to give to to Pacific Island rugby fans,
to Malana fans, to those in the Pacific Island rugby community.
What do you want them to hear it today?
Speaker 4 (17:07):
I think it's just hearing there's still a chance and
we're still here. We're still going to push for that
PACIFICA rugby team, and then just for them to keep
showing their support and keep using their voices, because I
think that's been the big one. We've been working by
and closed doors the last five years, trying to get
things done and it sort of get shut down. But
because it's behind closed doors, no nobody hears about it.
(17:28):
We're at the moment it's sort of front and center,
and it's not I wouldn't say he's putting a lot
of pressure on the other parties. But then it's making
people accountable and if they say no, then these most
probably needs to be a good reason why, or people
will be like, well why not.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
You know, do you think they'll say yes?
Speaker 4 (17:45):
You know, I'd love just to think they'll say yes,
But they did it five years ago, and then you know,
there's a lot of other things that need to get sorted. Yes,
they might inter Ande, I might say yes, interne up
is still going to take it off, and then we
still need to see you know, what MP and how
they've operated and their true numbers. So you know, we're
definitely here to get it done, but you know, there's
so many other things that still need to come into
(18:05):
play for us.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
There's a lot of people talking the talk. It's great
to have you guys and the rest of your consortium
walking the walk. It's been great to get some clarity today. Benartinga,
Sam Tuitupaul John R. Fire, thanks for being with us,
and let's hope that the way forward is a positive
one for MOEA Pacifica. It feels like it's in good
hands to me. If you guys can get this across
the lines so thanks so much for taking the time today.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
All right, thank you?
Speaker 2 (18:27):
No thanks guys. Three members there of the Canaia Rugby
Consortium John r Fo, Benartinga Sam two all former All Blacks.
Others in the consortium Jerome Kinor, Joe Rocathocco, Anthony Turtevaki
and Benson Stanley, among others. So I must admit, even
after that, I'm still slightly confused about one major thing here.
(18:48):
Why is collaboration not happening to save this team? There
are four parties involved here as far as I can see,
New Zealand Rugby, the New Zealand Rugby Plaze Association, the
current owners PMA and these prospective owners Canilaia Rugby. Surely,
to goodness they can all get around a table and
work this out. If Canillawa have the funding to keep
(19:12):
Moana Pacifica going, and they say they do, why wouldn't
the license be transferred at the very least, Why wouldn't
it be investigated as a possibility. Why wouldn't everybody involved
be doing everything they possibly can to keep this franchise alive.
(19:33):
At their best, Mawana Pacifica bring a huge amount to
super rugby on and off the field last year was
a great example of that. They played well, they won
a lot of games, they almost made the playoffs, the
crowds turned up and Mowana last year were the darlings
of the competition. Yes, Ardie Savier was there, that was
a big part of it, but surely it wasn't just him,
(19:53):
not just one player. This team and its community can
add plenty to Super rugby. If it can be saved,
it should be so, surely, because what's the alternative.
Speaker 1 (20:10):
For more from Weekends Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news Talks it B weekends from midday, or follow
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