Page 31 - IB Nov 2017

Sport Innovation Fiji, PNG joint venture Aviation What it takes to be a leader
in the airline industry: P33
takes shape: P35

out from Tonga or Fiji to France to play solutions. We focus not only on our play-
rugby, the player might be OK because ers, but we also work hard to make sure
he is involved with his game, but how that the families are looked after. Whether
will his wife and children cope? We try it’s finding a church or the best value-for
to build a social structure so they never money place to buy from, We’re here.”
feel isolated and are always supported.” “Faith-based support is also part of
Players from the islands can also the PRPW programme. The church is a
face uncommon financial pressures. strong point of support for our players
“People from the Islands are extremely arriving here. Sometimes there may not
community-orientated and are acutely be another Pacific Islander to help assist
aware of their responsibilities. There is an a newly arriving family but there will al-
expectation that you share your success Fijian players join their South Seas brothers in a PRPW ways be a church who can help with the
in some way. meeting in France. Below: Families are a big part of the settling process.
welfare. Photos: PRPW
“For some players, the reality is they “We have good links with a number of
are in France on a very low wage, but various church groups here and are busy
the community back home may think strengthening those ties.
they are on an All Blacks’ wage. We help ”Even finding a good value supermar-
to advise them on how to deal with this ket, they know we are there to help.”
pressure. We have to help our players “There are different things you have
make smart financial decisions” to get across to people. A big thing is eye
Leo knows that pressure well, having contact. Sometimes a coach or a team-
felt it when he returned home to Samoa aspect of PRPW is not just addressing mate will be shouting and the player
to visit his family. “I remember dad used welfare of the player, but also that of the won’t make eye contact. “This could be
to pick me up and, as we were driving, partners (and children) who can also find construed as rude, when in fact it’s the
there were two ways to our family home: life difficult here, sometimes more so.” opposite: he is showing respect. Similarly,
one that took 20 minutes and one that Seremaia Bai, a board member of the many Pacific Islanders have an issue say-
would take an hour. We always took the Pacific Island Players’ Association (PIPA), ing no. So, when they’re asked a yes or no
hour one. On the way he’d be pointing another lobby group for Pacific players, question there can be ambiguities. We’re
out various big houses and hotels, saying: said naivety is widespread among island working with the clubs and the players to
‘Look, there’s one that Ma’a Nonu built.’ players and they were also trying to en- address these things.”
Players always look after their com- sure players coming out to Europe were There are also issues when it comes to
munities but, equally, we want to make prepared mentally for the transition. how the players learn languages. “When
sure that they are looked after long after Pacific Islanders are tough but there is you learn a new language, like French,
they hang up their boots and finish their also a brotherhood among these players. there’s a real emphasis on learning your
careers.” “Our rugby is an interesting one,” said grammar and verbs. For many players
Leo said the Fijians on the PRPW board Leo. “It’s very physical, almost brutal, brought up on the islands, they learn
are valuable assets to the communities but once the game is over, we have that visually far quicker. So we are also there
there. joy of respect and friendship. We are very to share our experiences with the clubs, to
“These men are a strong presence in social people and off the field we will al- help make sure the player is giving himself
the Fijian community here and have been ways work hard to look after one another every opportunity of succeeding.”
very committed to helping connect with overseas.” “When Pacific Islander rugby players get
the many Fijian players across Europe. The association organises regular social together there’s a lot of food eaten and a
“We have an established process by events for the players and their families to lot of laughter,” says Leo. “But there were
which we address mental health issues. share stories. “Food is a huge part of our tears shed this time, when we thought of
The first port of call is connecting com- community. We eat together and share our those friends who have passed.”
munities and combatting social isolation stories of what it is like living away from r ilaitia.turagabeci@gmail.com
or loneliness.” home. We listen to the challenges and find
“We encourage players and families to
talk with one another and not suppress French chase Raka
their feelings or troubles. It’s ok to talk.
After this, if someone requires further FIJI Airways Flying Fijians coach, John McKee has aired his concern over Alifereti
support or feel they need to speak to Raka’s decision not to play for the national team in this month’s Europe tour.
someone confidentially, we have McKee said he had met the Clermont winger, who now is set to feature for
professional counselling services France. “It’s disappointing for me that the French team has been chasing
available for players to tap into. him. I visited him in Clermont and it’s only then his club told me that there
“This is done via Skype sessions was talk that the French set-up were chasing him, ” he told the media.
and is provided by a group who McKee is also eyeing former NRL star Semi Radradra who has turned
have many years’ experience in heads in France with his block-busting form for Toulon in the T14.
working with Pacific and Aboriginal If Raka signs up,he joins Virimi Vakatawa in French colours. Vakatawa
communities. played 7s for France at the Rio Olympics and later for the 15s team. Fiji
“This service is already being used by begins its Northern Hemisphere campaign on November 11 against
players and their families. An important Raka Italy followed by Ireland and then Canada.

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