Umaga Urges World Rugby to Boost Financial Support for Pacific Teams

Tana Umaga, head coach of Moana Pasifika, has reiterated his call for increased financial assistance from World Rugby for both his team and the Fijian Drua. His comments followed a challenging match against the Hurricanes in Lautoka on March 1, 2024, where Moana Pasifika suffered a significant defeat. Umaga emphasized the need for a fair financial landscape to support Pacific rugby franchises, which play a vital role in representing their nations on the global stage.

During the post-match press conference, Umaga acknowledged that both clubs must improve their internal operations but stressed the importance of external financial backing. “I think there are a lot of areas for us in general, in terms of our own house, we need to get that sorted,” he said. He further noted, “We just want to be on a level playing field in terms of the funding that goes out to all the teams.”

World Rugby previously provided funding to help establish both Pacific Island Super Rugby franchises, aiming to retain local talent in the Southern Hemisphere. However, this financial support has since ended, leaving clubs like Moana Pasifika and Drua to seek alternative funding sources. Umaga pointed out that the absence of this support is detrimental, especially considering the number of Pacific Island players excelling in various leagues worldwide.

The former All Blacks captain compared the situation to the success of Samoan and Tongan players in the National Rugby League (NRL), highlighting how effective support can elevate a sport’s profile. He asserted that Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua serve as significant crowd-pullers in the competition, deserving recognition and financial backing.

“I think New Zealand Rugby does a good job at this stage,” Umaga said, adding that the enthusiasm among Pacific fans is evident. Last season, Moana Pasifika’s matches attracted between 8,000 to 12,000 spectators at North Harbour Stadium, showcasing a growing support base.

Despite earlier concerns about funding, the franchise has managed to secure enough financial support to continue operations. Umaga emphasized the importance of this backing not just for maintaining their Super Rugby Pacific status, but also for nurturing future talent. He believes that representing the cultures of Samoa and Tonga is crucial for the club’s identity and mission.

“We’re very strong around purpose, whether it’s your personal purpose or our collective purpose, and how that all aligns,” Umaga stated. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by past generations, which motivate the current players to strive for excellence both on and off the field. “It’s about what we’re going to sacrifice and how we can improve in terms of professional behaviors and habits,” he added.

Moana Pasifika is preparing to face the Western Force on March 8, 2024, in Pukekohe. However, they will be without star fullback William Havili, who is expected to miss several games due to a suspected neck injury sustained during the match against the Hurricanes.

Umaga’s calls for more support from World Rugby highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Pacific rugby teams, as they strive to establish themselves in a competitive landscape while representing their cultures with pride. The future of these franchises may depend significantly on the financial support they receive moving forward.