Taumalolo’s stand proves inspiration to youngsters

Rising stars prefer to play for Samoa Baabaas rather than NZ at the World Schools Sevens

Jason Taumalolo’s decision to represent Tonga is having an impact with young Pacific Island rugby players with two rising stars preferring to play for the Samoa Barbarians rather than New Zealand at the upcoming World Schools Sevens tournament in Auckland.

Siave Togoiu and Jeriah Mua — two of rugby’s hottest young prospects — were both selected to play for the NZ Condors Invitational team but have instead chosen to represent Samoa when the second edition of the tournament kicks off at Sacred Heart College on December 16.

Auckland under-19s centre Togoiu was named Player of the Tournament last year after starring for the Samoa Barbarians as they swept past the NZ Maori and NZ Condors Invitational side before losing narrowly to Australia in the final.

Mua is set to make his first appearance at the tournament after the Hastings Boys’ High School and Chiefs under-18s flanker represented the New Zealand Secondary Schools side earlier this season.

World Schools Sevens director Phil Gaze believes their decision to turn down New Zealand is partly inspired by the success enjoyed at the Rugby League World Cup by Taumalolo and fellow former Kiwis internationals Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma’u and David Fusitu’a, and former Australian test forward Andrew Fifita.

“I’m sure it was, I have no doubt,” said Gaze. “Our tournament rules say that New Zealand has first preference, however, the boys have chosen to play for Samoa.

“It’s a continuation of what’s happened at the Rugby League World Cup and players are choosing their hearts which I think is fantastic.”

Samoa Barbarians head coach Tino Poluleuligaga declined to comment but echoed Gaze’s comments on social media, noting the influence Tonga’s success at the Rugby League World Cup had on the boy’s decision to represent their heritage.

He tweeted: “Tongan league stars decisions to represent their heritage is rubbing off on PI [Pacific Island] boys at schoolboy rugby level. Two boys selected to play for the NZ Schools team for the World Schools sevens tournament next weekend declined so they can play for the Samoa Barbarians instead.”

The World Schools Sevens tournament was established independent of NZ Rugby although the national body provides support for the event.

Tournament rules dictate New Zealand selectors have first pick of any eligible players, but Gaze confirmed they were willing to make an exception and have respected the wishes of Togoiu and Mua.

Tongan league stars decisions to represent their heritage is rubbing off on PI boys at schoolboy rugby level. Tino Poluleuligaga

“Our tournament selectors and coaches for the New Zealand team have said they are fine with those two players playing for Samoa,” he said.

“If they were not fine then those boys would have had the option of only playing for the New Zealand Condors team or not playing in the tournament at all.

“But the New Zealand selectors and coaches said ‘hey, we’re up for the challenge, we don’t mind that the boys are playing for Samoa’.”

The pair’s decision will not impact in their future ambitions with Gaze confirming restrictions around eligibility would only come into play for an Olympic event or an All Blacks national side.

It doesn’t [ affect them]. Even at under-20 level in rugby union, those boys could play for Samoa one year and then for New Zealand next year.”