Mauger hails miracle arrival
The signing of loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi to next year’s Moana Pasifika squad shows the value the Super Rugby is providing to the sport in the Pacific Islands, believes Aaron Mauger.
Fai’ilagi was picked up by Moana Pasifika after standing out at a combine put on by World Rugby to help identify talented players who have the potential to play rugby at a higher level.
The 23-year-old Fai’ilagi had been a part of the Samoan sevens team setup, but his promotion to a professional rugby contract to play Super Rugby shows how Moana Pasifika are contributing rugby in the islands and opening up pathways.
‘‘How that came about was through the World Rugby Pacific combine,’’ Mauger, the Moana Pasifika coach, said at the announcement for next season’s squad yesterday.
‘‘Myself and Filo Tiatia [assistant coach] were able to attend, along with Kevin Senio [director of rugby] and a couple of other staff.
‘‘Miracle was a clear standout for us, he caught our eye early with how he handled himself, not just on the field, but off it as well.
‘‘We felt he was ready for this opportunity and it’s really exciting and now it’s visible for young, aspiring players in the islands, that they too can become Super Rugby players and be a part of Moana Pasifika.’’
Part of Moana Pasifika’s mission statement is to champion the power of Pasifika people and culture and put it on a world stage. So this will never just be about
the 80 minutes of rugby each week.
‘‘That’s the whole kaupapa for Moana Pasifika, to inspire belief in our people and belief that they too can be in this position,’’ Mauger said.
‘‘Miracle is a great example of that, he was playing for his village and local province just a few months ago and now he’s going to come in on the Super Rugby stage.
‘‘It is a possibility, it takes hard work, but Miracle is an example of those behaviours which can earn you this opportunity.
‘‘For Miracle to come here, represent his family, his villages and proud nation of Samoa, it’s 100% what we’re about.
‘‘It’s a beautiful moment for us and it’s something we’re really celebrating today.’’
Fai’ilagi is the only uncapped player in the Moana Pasifika squad and that continuity will help them build on last season when they had two wins from 14 games.
So back again are two former Wallabies, captain Sekope Kepu and first-five Christian Lealiifano, who turned 35 in September.
‘‘He keeps telling me he’s got more years!’’ Mauger said of Lealiifano.