Backing for Pasifika team

‘‘Is the player depth around to put a team on the field that can be competitive? We believe there is.’’

Players Association boss Rob Nichol explains his support for a Pasifika team in Super Rugby

The pressure is growing on New Zealand Rugby to admit a Pasifika team into Super Rugby in 2021 after the players’ union threw its full weight behind the plan.

In an impassioned plea, New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association chief executive Rob Nichol told Stuff that he was convinced there was enough playing and coaching depth to build a competitive Pasifika side in 2021, and that the islands had been ‘‘left out’’ by southern hemisphere bosses when they formed Super Rugby 25 years ago.

‘‘We identified some time ago this could be the opportunity to get Pasifika that opportunity,’’ Nichol said.

‘‘We’ve done a lot of work in that area, with New Zealand Rugby and other partners, and we are very positive that something could happen as early as next year.

‘‘We’re looking forward to continuing those conversations about making that a reality, because it would bring so much.

‘‘Sometimes we need to stop and remind ourselves of the sheer talent, the passion, the colour, the values and what it does for the Pacific communities as well.

‘‘We want to see that thrive. I think it’s struggled for 25 years since the game went professional.’’

The drums have been beating for a Pasifika team for a long time, and NZ Rugby’s Aratipu Report highlighted a ‘‘huge desire’’ for the team when it was released in July.

NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson revealed last week that there had been eight expressions of interest for an additional Super Rugby team, and indicated a decision on 2021 could be made within the next fortnight.

Some within the game still hold reservations about whether a Pasifika side could be competitive in 2021, but Nichol brushed aside those concerns.

‘‘Is the coach and management expertise around to make it work? Yes, it is,’’ Nichol said.

‘‘Is the player depth around to put a team on the field that can be competitive? We believe there is.

‘‘Can that be pulled together in a way that can produce credible performances next year? For what it’s worth from a NZRPA perspective, yes we believe it can.

‘‘A large amount [of players] are here. There’s great Pasifika talent at Mitre 10 Cup, some Pasifika talent in Australia, and good Pasifika talent in the islands.’’

The lack of a Pasifika team in the southern hemisphere has meant talent has been scattered all around the globe.

Players such as Semi Radradra, Charles Piutau and Taqele Naiyaravoro are currently running rampant in England, and Nichol admitted ‘‘feelers had been put out’’ to Europe-based talent with a view to them returning to play in Super Rugby.

‘‘I don’t think for 2021 you’d want to rely on that,’’ Nichol said. ‘‘ . . . but if the leadership is there and it’s going to happen, you are going to see some players put their hand up.

‘‘There are a number playing up the UK right now who might look at this and think ‘you know what, if I can get home and play for that team, and there’s a future beyond 2021, I’m ready to do that’.’’

NZRPA’s support for the Pasifika side is part of its broader vision for the game, Nichol said, and cautioned NZR against putting it in the ‘too hard’ basket, even though there are hurdles to clear.

Regardless of how the bidding process plays out, Nichol noted that Pacific Islands rugby had been ignored for decades, a mistake he did not want to see repeated.

‘‘We’ve got an opportunity to make that right,’’ he said. ‘‘And we cannot let it slip.’’