Page 7 - IB AUG 2018

We Say

One of the fiercest proponents of a Pacific Super Rugby side is former Fiji

Sevens Coach, Ben Ryan who has seen first-hand the potential of islanders and

taken them to success at the highest level of international competition

IT is high time that Pacific island governments secure clear
pathways for the huge number of rugby players available in the
region to play at international level.
The number of Pacific islanders representing Super Rugby
franchises in Australia and New Zealand is testament to the
potential which exists within the region.
This month – as they did last year – scouts from a number of
New Zealand and Australian franchises were on hand to look
at the talent on display at Fiji’s secondary school rugby finals.
Yet it is highly unlikely that the Fiji Rugby Union took the same
level of interest in the young men who could and should one day
represent their country at international level.
The fact that foreign scouts would show interest where the
local administrators of the game have none speaks volumes of
the failure of Pacific rugby.
More than 10 years ago a number of Super Rugby franchises
helped establish gymnasiums and fitness centres in the Pacific
to develop talent to feed into the world’s largest club competition.
Today, few if any of those rugby academies remain in operation.
The Pacific punches far above its weight in providing talent for financial support from large businesses and corporate sponsors,
teams in rugby competitions around the world. many of whom are not based in the region.
From the United Kingdom to Italy and France, Japan, Hong This is where the support of World Rugby will be critical. Its
Kong, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom influence will be important in convincing major international
you will find Pacific players at various levels of competition. corporations of the visibility a Pacific rugby team would provide
Some of these players have gone on to represent their adopted them.
countries. Fiji-based Punja’s Limited – a corporation with interests across
The recent Rugby Sevens World Cup was just one event in the region – supported the Pacific Islanders rugby side from 2004
which Pacific talent was showcased at the highest level of com- to 2008 in what was a move ahead of its time.
petition and on a global scale. But there was definite interest from fans, players and the
Fiji alone provided the bulk of players corporate world.
Food and in the Fijian, Japanese and New Zealand This time there must be a political will to push the concept of
sport sides. a regional team as part of talks on the side lines of international
In Super Rugby competition the Samoan discussions in which the Fijian, Tongan and Samoan govern-
and Tongan influence in Australian and ments participate.
New Zealand franchises cannot be overlooked. It stares out of At a shamelessly political level, a re-
television screens across the globe every week. Game changer gional team would be the perfect vehicle
Is it not time, then, that regional governments devise a joint plan needed with which to push the agenda of climate
to provide a regional team to join the Super Rugby competition? change and the necessary reduction of
A recent report commissioned by the New Zealand govern- carbon emissions by up to two degrees.
ment shows there is potential for such a team and that it would One of the fiercest proponents of a Pacific Super Rugby side is
attract a huge supporter base in Hawaii and the West Cost of the former Fiji Sevens Coach, Ben Ryan who has seen first-hand the
United States. potential of islanders and taken them to success at the highest
The massive turnout of Pacific fans at the AT&T Park in San level of international competition.
Francisco for the Rugby Sevens World Cup was an indication of Ryan has suggested Port Denarau in Fiji as a base for such a
their passion for the game and their teams. regional side. Fiji has hosted Super Rugby matches in the capital,
Earlier this year Samoan, Tongan and Fijian fans lifted spectator Suva, with near sell-out crowds. It is envisaged that matches
support to another level in the Rugby League World Cup. featuring more local faces would swell the spectator base.
It is often said that there are two things for which Pacific island- Teufaiva Stadium in Nuklu’alofa, Tonga and Apia Park in
ers will give everything – food and sport. Samoa have also been identified as potential venues for Super
If that is indeed the case, a Pacific side would play to stadiums Rugby matches.
packed by the regional diaspora in Australia, New Zealand and While it may be relatively easy to convince Australian and New
the United States. Zealand sides to play in the Pacific, the South African sides may
Taking the sport to the US would be a sensible step for World take a little more convincing to add a further five hours to their
Rugby as it attempts to establish the sport in a lucrative but as- long-haul flights.
yet untapped new market. Introducing Pacific flair to international rugby could be the game
The success of a Pacific rugby side will be dependent upon changer that the sport needs at a global level.

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