PACIFIC RUGBY
BENEFITING ALREADY
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE AN INCREASE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PACIFIC NATIONS BECAUSE OF THE EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH SUPER RUGBY.’
With Super Rugby Pacific now completed, I have found myself reflecting on the inaugural season of our two Pacific teams, Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika, writes former All Black Eroni Clarke in his regular column.
Despite a few COVID interruptions in the competition overall, I was so pleased with the performances of both teams. Two wins and where they finished in the competition doesn’t reflect the many successes they achieved throughout the season, because the objectives set by both teams went beyond on-field results.
In my view, what was more of a success was seeing the performances of the Manu Samoa, Fiji and Tongan sides in their recent Pacific Nations Cup competition. The impact and influence of the Super Rugby Pacific players who went into those international team environments was huge. From the feedback I have heard, the players lifted the level of rugby, training and preparation, and I believe this is only the start. Over the next five years, we will continue to see an increase in the performance of Pacific nations because of the experience gained through Super Rugby, which was one of the goals of having the Drua and Moana Pasifika join the competition.
The boost in skill level, professionalism and performance is especially important as our Pacific home nations begin to prepare for Rugby World Cup 2023. The exposure to Super Rugby and playing against the best players in the Southern Hemisphere will put these players in good stead heading into the tournament.
One of the highlights was also the wonderful support we saw across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. The fans of our Pacific teams were amazing. It sounded like there were 20,000 plus at home games, which reflects the passion, celebration and joy of our Pacific communities regardless of the score on the board – their hearts warm to see their culture represented in Super Rugby. As the teams become more established in the competition, the fan base will only increase in size and support.
In speaking with Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams, who is Patron of Moana Pasifika, it was his dream come true to see Pacific teams in Super Rugby. He sees this season as a success and was encouraged by the potential of both sides, acknowledging there is plenty of room for improvement. Sir Bryan has been a great advocate for Pacific rugby for such a long time, that it was great to see his vision come to fruition this year. Similarly, La’auli Sir Michael Jones – Chair of the Moana Pasifika Board – shared those sentiments. 2022 has been a great start, and there is huge potential for our Pacific teams and players, encouraging them to remain in the Southern Hemisphere to play their rugby.
I have no doubt that both Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua will have their reviews and take the opportunity to reflect on their first seasons. There was so much to be proud of, so much heart in their performances week to week, and I believe through the lessons and momentum gained this season, they have laid a great foundation to build upon for the 2023 season.
The end of the Super Rugby Pacific season also brought to a close the Tries for Tonga fundraising campaign. It was a wonderfully crafted concept, with New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia, and their respective broadcasters Sky, Stan and Nine combining to donate money for every try scored across Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki. Combined with an initial $20,000 donation from New Zealand competition partner DHL, over $200,000 was raised after more than 300 tries were scored. I was recently with the New Zealand Red Cross, who let us know that these funds will go directly into their Pacific Tsunami Appeal relief campaign in Tonga. There was such devastation on the island, and sadly lives were lost through that disaster. Tries for Tonga was a wonderful way to show the good that can happen through rugby, and the support there is across the rugby fraternity for our Pacific nations.
I can’t wait to see what 2023’s Super Rugby season holds for our Pacific teams!