The Moana Pasifika Franchise

[Rugbynutter39]

Geez I thought he was already confirmed, Toutai Kefu said a moth or so ago on TV he and Mauger has been going through players that he would like to see getting super games.

Finalising contract and reference checks in Pacifika time…

 

[Bullrush]

Yeah agreed Mt Smart makes sense but it seems like a long time for a team supposed to represent the Pasifika. I hope they haven‘t contracted 100% of the games over the next 7 years, they should have at least aimed to take a few matches to Samoa and Tonga each year from 2023.

South Auckland is the largest pacific island/polynesian city in the world so in that sense it's a no-brainer. However, like you I hope that we start getting to see more games in the islands in the future.

For the player contribution the pacific islands brings to world rugby, it would be the least we could do.

 

[Dan54]

I think it's almost a given that there will be some attempt to take games to the islands as soon as, I know the facilities are probably not up to scratch, especially in Tonga, but hopefully something can be sorted.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I think it's almost a given that there will be some attempt to take games to the islands as soon as, I know the facilities are probably not up to scratch, especially in Tonga, but hopefully something can be sorted.

I imagine another reason to support MP (Moana Pasifika) being based out of Auckland is the fact corruption and governance been a shambolic issue with Samoa and tonga rugby

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ you're right R39 but there's cause for hope: Samoa has a new PM who isn't also Chairman of the RU & she doesn't seem to have put close relatives into positions they're clearly not qualified to hold. Perfect time for WR (World Rugby) to grow some & insist on a thorough governance audit & revamp.

Tonga's situation is complicated by them having in effect an absolute monarch backed by a very powerful church but that, too, shows signs of being challenged by the younger generations of Tongans who've experienced life in the outside World either directly or via the internet & social media.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

^ you're right R39 but there's cause for hope: Samoa has a new PM who isn't also Chairman of the RU & she doesn't seem to have put close relatives into positions they're clearly not qualified to hold. Perfect time for WR (World Rugby) to grow some & insist on a thorough governance audit & revamp.

Tonga's situation is complicated by them having in effect an absolute monarch backed by a very powerful church but that, too, shows signs of being challenged by the younger generations of Tongans who've experienced life in the outside World either directly or via the internet & social media.

Yes Samoa had a bit of clean up governance wise but not sure about Tonga

 

[Wilson]

SMH are reporting that Lealiifano is set to sign with Moana Pasifika:

‘He’s a proud Samoan man’: Lealiifano set to sign with Moana Pasifika

The former Wallabies star will be the new franchise’s headline star in their first season.

www.smh.com.au

Apparently the Brumbies were also talking to him but missed out.

 

[Dctarget]

SMH are reporting that Lealiifano is set to sign with Moana Pasifika:

‘He’s a proud Samoan man’: Lealiifano set to sign with Moana Pasifika

The former Wallabies star will be the new franchise’s headline star in their first season.

www.smh.com.au

Apparently the Brumbies were also talking to him but missed out.

Fuck yeah, good on him. Makes MP (Moana Pasifika) so much more interesting.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Hawke's Bay 5/8 Lincoln McClutchie is rumoured to be close to signing as well.

 

[RebelYell]

That's great news. And Sekope Kepu still considered likely?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ was a bit of chat a few months back when he signed for Counties-Manukau but I haven't seen or heard anything since. Would be a good signing, tho, even if he's the guy who comes on with 25-30 to go - great mentor for the younger guys & potentially a player/ scrum coach scenario.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

SMH are reporting that Lealiifano is set to sign with Moana Pasifika:

‘He’s a proud Samoan man’: Lealiifano set to sign with Moana Pasifika

The former Wallabies star will be the new franchise’s headline star in their first season.

www.smh.com.au

Apparently the Brumbies were also talking to him but missed out.

Bit of tutoring for Noah and depth but alas not to be.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

That's great news. And Sekope Kepu still considered likely?

And the 3 all black signings they are allowed…somehow I don’t see that happening…

 

[Dan54]

That's great news. And Sekope Kepu still considered likely?

Reckon Kefu would be considered very likely, he was pretty keen earlier in year.

 

[Dan54]

And the 3 all black signings they are allowed…somehow I don’t see that happening…

Not sure of any ABs not already signed.

 

[upthereds#!]

Not sure of any ABs not already signed.

Could be a chance for ex Abs, like Naholo, Milne-Skudder, Ranger etc....though tbh I don't know who etc would be.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Could be a chance for ex Abs, like Naholo, Milne-Skudder, Ranger etc....though tbh I don't know who etc would be.

That would be the probable strategy

 

[RebelYell]

There was chat about Luatua wasn't there?

 

[upthereds#!]

There was chat about Luatua wasn't there?

Jeez. I was angling at ones running around NPC trying to crack Super Rugby, not lads on a million pounds in the premiership! He would have to REALLY want to come home.

 

[Dan54]

Be interesting if Luatua did come back, he originally said he wanted to return and get to 100 Blues games when he finished in England.
Would love it if he did come back for MP (Moana Pasifika) though!!!