Lure of ‘guru’ Brown beats attractions of France
New Highlanders wing Tima Fainga’anuku has revealed the influence of ‘‘the guru’’ Tony Brown was instrumental in him signing for the Dunedin franchise, even though he could have stayed in France.
Fainga’anuku, 22, raised eyebrows by taking up a contract in France after missing out on a full Crusaders contract last season – reflecting the broadening horizons of young Kiwi players that could concern New Zealand Rugby – but an opportunity unexpectedly knocked in Dunedin after he completed this year’s Mitre 10 Cup campaign with Tasman.
The southern men lost new recruit Connor Garden-Bachop to season-ending back surgery and the powerful Fainga’anuku found himself fielding a call from Highlanders CEO Roger Clark to ascertain his interest.
He took time to consider the offer but told Stuff that the chance to work with attack coach Brown was too good to refuse.
‘‘Tony Brown is a legend,’’ Fainga’anuku said. ‘‘When the opportunity came up I had a think about it but that motivated me, just to sponge up from him.’’
Brown’s status in the game increased after Japan’s attack won many new admirers at the Rugby World Cup and while all top-end coaches are knowledgeable Fainga’anuku said Brown had that hard-todefine but crucial ability to connect with players.
‘‘He’s sort of like a guru,’’ he said. ‘‘A few of the boys kick with their dominant foot and struggle with their other foot. But we had one kicking session and most of the boys now feel comfortable kicking off their least dominant foot. I’m not sure how he does it.
‘‘I think he just puts so much behind making people better that it works.’’
Fainga’anuku has quickly got into his work at the Highlanders.
He arrived in Dunedin at about 115kg after giving himself a bit of a holiday but new Highlanders trainer Simon Jones has already stripped 8kg off his frame and Fainga’anuku’s explosiveness is starting to show in training, winning positive feedback from his coaches.
He has the potential to give the Highlanders real balance in the back three, particularly as they will be looking for some size on one flank if they opt for the smaller Jona Nareki on the left wing.
Fainga’anuku has already set himself a goal of featuring against the Crusaders – and potentially his brother Leicester – in the Highlanders’ pre-season game in Wanaka on January 24 and bears his old side no grudges.
‘‘I didn’t really get an opportunity but I felt like I learnt a lot,’’ Fainga’anuku said.
‘‘When the Highlanders opportunity came up I looked as it as fresh start. It’s been a bit of a ride for me in my career.’’
The move to France had its challenges [‘‘Mum would cry when she FaceTimed and I’m a bit of a mummy’s boy’’] but he relished the change of culture, the passion of the Perpignan fans and the opportunity to travel to places such as London and Spain.
Playing in Europe also meant rubbing shoulders with the likes of former Blues and All Blacks outside back Rudi Wulf and current Ireland international Bundee Aki.
It’s clear Fainga’anuku has had his eyes opened to the appeal of playing in the northern hemisphere and cautions Kiwis against thinking it’s ‘‘just about the money’’.
‘‘It was a pretty tough decision [to stay in New Zealand],’’ he said. ‘‘I really enjoyed France. I really loved not just France but Europe.
‘‘I enjoyed my team overseas. I learnt so much off the field. It’s just a good life experience
‘‘After the New Zealand under 20s if you don’t get picked up [by Super Rugby teams] there is an inbetween.
‘‘People aren’t willing to take that step [to move to Europe] but I think it’s just another pathway.’’