RUGBY AUSTRALIA LEVEL 4 PERFORMANCE COACH THE IMPACT OF POLYNESIAN PLAYERS IN RUGBY UNION TODAY KOLOSE FEAUNATI

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1 RUGBY AUSTRALIA LEVEL 4 PERFORMANCE COACH THE IMPACT OF POLYNESIAN PLAYERS IN RUGBY UNION TODAY KOLOSE FEAUNATI

2 The Impact of Polynesian Players in Rugby Union Today The game of Rugby Union today has changed in many ways. For example the rules of the game, the technology, and most noticeably the style of play. What has also changed is the number of Polynesians playing the game of Rugby Union across the world. This paper looks at the impact of Polynesian players in Rugby Union today. We look at the changes we are seeing as a result and what challenges they as players face given their increased participation at the professional level. From Samoa to Tonga, Fiji, and even the smaller islands, teams worldwide will almost always have Polynesians in their rugby setup. They are being targeted because of their size, body shape, and natural athletic ability. As a coach you cannot teach talent, but you can coach that player how to use that talent in your team environment to get the most out of them. The talent and skills the Polynesian players have are mind blowing; it s up to us as coaches to nurture this talent and skill best suited to our team and team environment. Former New Zealand 7 s, Auckland Blues, Manu Samoa 7 s player Orene Ai i had this to say when I asked his thoughts on the topic: The impact of Polynesian players in rugby union today is huge. If you look at teams around the world with Polynesian players in there, all those players bring a different dynamic to the table. Not only with their size and speed, but the flair and skill set they possess in most cases is un-coachable. The value in that makes our Polynesian players in high demand for all these owners from European clubs and Super Rugby sides and most importantly international Rugby countries. You only had to watch the World Cup 7s in San Francisco earlier this year to see the impact the Polynesian players had in that tournament.

3 Religion and belief plays a major part in Polynesian players worldwide. The flamboyant Fijian 7 s team will always say a prayer after they have finished a game and the same with the Manu Samoa 7 s team. On team buses before and after training singing religious hymns brings the team together as one. This is important as part of their team culture and the values they each bring to the team as players. Australian Zane Hilton former Melbourne Rebels Coach, former head coach of Brothers Rugby and now Manu Samoa Rugby assistant coach and General High Performance Manager for Samoa Rugby Union had this to add The impact of Polynesian players does not stop at the impressive natural skill set alone. There is a set of values and beliefs that drive the culture and behaviors within each group. It is evident across the world that these values are at the forefront of many organizations. If we are to break it down Let s look at the 2017/18 Wallabies team: Israel Folau, Scott Sio, Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Folau Fainga, Sekope Kepu, Sefanaia Naivalu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Jordan Petaia, Tatafu Polota Nau, Peter Samu, Caleb Timu, Matt Toomua, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou, Silatolu Latu. That s a whole rugby team; throw in the likes of ex Wallabies or players that have put on the Wallaby jersey on the bench: Radike Samu, Digby Ioane, Tevita Kuridrani, Karmichael Hunt, Henry Speight, Will Skelton, Lopeti Timani, Christian Lealifano, Samu Kerevi Pretty impressive!! Just looking at that Wallabies team, the impact of Polynesian players is massive.

4 Let s look at the 2017/18 New Zealand All Blacks team: Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tuungafasi, Vaea Fifita, Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell, Jordan Taufua, Ngani Laumape, Sonny Bill Williams, Reiko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Richie Mo unga, Asafo Aumua, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Patrick Tuipulotu. Past Players: Ma a Nonu, Julian Savea, Jerome Kaino, Rodney So oialo, Frank Bunce, Vaaiga Tuigamala, Chris Masoe, the list goes on, but none made more of an impact than the late Jonah Lomu and Jerry Collins! Again look at the impact these Polynesian players have on two of world rugby s top rugby nations. Take out these Polynesian players and would these 2 teams be still a quality and competitive side?? What we mustn t forget is, for many Polynesian players it s not that easy to make it in the professional sport of Rugby Union. Getting to the top-level Polynesian players may encounter the following: Family issues off the field: Culturally, family has an extremely high importance. If there are issues such as illness or money problems, players can be become distracted. There is the expectation from the

5 family that the player needs to support the family, as they are likely the main income provider. They may need to take a family member to the doctor if ill and this could result in them missing training. From the coach s perspective, this demonstrates a lack of commitment. The reality is, often the player doesn t have a choice. The family has to come first. Maintaining diet and fitness at a professional level: In Polynesian communities, knowledge of nutrition is often lacking and we see high rates of obesity. Players will have often grown up eating foods that are high in fat and sugar and this is what they are comfortable with. Adapting to and maintaining a nutritional plan can be challenging. Ways to mitigate these challenges is better cultural education and awareness for coaches and staff within the rugby community. This has to include the junior levels all the way through to the National Level. So as you can see for these Polynesian players to train and play at the top level is not an easy road for some. Though the rewards they get after all the hard work is well worth it. You get to represent your country, wear that rugby jersey with pride and enjoy the success and responsibility that comes along with it. Whether it s the 15 s version of the game or the 7 s version, Polynesians are making an impact in Rugby Union not just in the men s but also the women s worldwide! Acknowledgments: Orene Ai i Zane Hilton