Recruiting ‘challenges’ emerge for new franchise

Moana Pasifika’s lack of an unconditional Super Rugby licence is complicating its current pitch to players at the same time Japanese clubs continue to land potential recruits.

Blues standout Gerard Cowley-Tuioti is heading overseas at the end of this campaign – lock is a position where Moana Pasifika may even have to look at non-Pasifika players – and Stuff understands that Blues midfielder TJ Faiane is also likely to shift to the Top League in Japan.

Faiane, 25, has been an under-rated part of the Blues and Auckland midfield for years and offers leadership qualities, but Japanese clubs remain active in the market for Kiwi talent and Crusaders flanker Tom Sanders is also likely to make the shift to the Top League.

That reflects the competitive nature of the global player market and in with Moana Pasifika TV this week, director of rugby Kevin Senio acknowledged that overseas Samoan and Tongan targets were also wary of committing until a full licence is granted by New Zealand Rugby.

‘‘We’ve got some challenges there,’’ Senio said. ‘‘A number of interested former Tongan and Samoan players . . . when I’ve reached out to them they’ve got an actual contract in front of them.

‘‘So, based on a conditional one [from Moana Pasifika] it’s really difficult. So they are in a bit of a dilemma and they are trying to make a decision that’s best for them.

‘‘That’s the landscape that we’re working with, which is hard. But at the same time there is an appetite from those players come back be part of something pretty special, if we can get there in the end.’’

Senio said that 80 per cent of Moana Pasifika’s 38-man roster must be ‘‘available’’ to play for Pacific Islands teams, with their contracts stipulating they could not be selected for the All Blacks. Of the remaining 20 per cent, some appear certain to be former All Blacks or even former Wallabies.

‘‘We’re working through agents, both here and overseas, particularly up in the UK,’’ Senio said.

‘‘There’s a number of players who have finished contracts. European competitions are coming to an end shortly.’’