Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga has praised the inclusion of Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, stating it has significantly elevated the standards of rugby across Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to sustain the involvement of these island nations in the league.
Umaga expressed his strong belief that having teams from the Pacific Islands competing in the Super Rugby Pacific is invaluable. He pointed out that such representation is crucial not only for the sport but also for the future of rugby in these regions. “This is something that should stay as it is too, like there should be thoughts around how do we keep the islands involved, because that’s important,” he stated in Lautoka.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring that future talents have opportunities, Umaga noted that Pacific Island players represent 40 percent of rugby union and rugby league players globally. “They should give opportunities to those other kids that are going to come through, because there’s plenty more coming through,” he added.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Drua and Moana Pasifika in developing rugby talent, Umaga raised concerns about the level of support they receive. He remarked, “I don’t know if [Fijian Drua] get enough help, I know that we don’t get enough help as Moana.” Despite these challenges, he remained optimistic, stating, “We just get on with the job and do it because our cause, our movement, is strong.”
The competition has proven beneficial for player development, with many athletes going on to represent their countries. Umaga noted the impact of Moana Pasifika and the Drua in showcasing their skills and culture on the global stage. In a recent match, Moana Pasifika outperformed the Drua, scoring six tries to four, with captain Miracle Faiilagi making a significant impact by scoring three tries.
Umaga praised Faiilagi’s leadership during the match, highlighting his contributions both offensively and defensively. “We were well led by our captain Miracle Faiilagi. His first time as captain and I thought he did an outstanding job,” he said.
Currently, both Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua are nurturing their development squads, which consist of young players undergoing specialized training. This approach ensures that emerging talents get the chance to contribute to the main teams, reinforcing the pipeline of talent essential for the future of rugby in the Pacific Islands. In this way, both teams are committed to not only continuing their legacy but also expanding opportunities for the next generation.
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