A cloud of uncertainty looms over the future of the Moana Pasifika rugby team, but its fans and community are still staying strong.
As rugby fans flocked to Christchurch a couple of weeks ago for the Super Rugby Super Round, William Morunga from Whangarei found himself among the festivities.
Decked out in full Moana Pasifika gear, the hardcore Moana fan had driven down to Christchurch with his family for the super round and he was relishing the opportunity to meet and greet players from the side.
“I’ve been a season ticket holder for almost two years now, but a fan since day dot,” Morunga said.
“Culture and the people, that’s what it’s all about. I think a lot of these other bigger corporate teams forget about that.”
Morunga was among rugby fans mixing and mingling to meet the teams in a packed-out Riverside Market in Christchurch where team signings were taking place.
For Moana prop Abraham Pole, being able to meet devoted fans like Morunga is what makes them appreciate the jersey and the club more.
Pole’s no stranger to Christchurch. Having spent some time there with the Crusaders, he says that it was good seeing Moana jerseys in “unfamiliar territory”.
“It’s always special seeing your people welcome you, in different regions in New Zealand. Christchurch has a beautiful Pacific community. Just shows you how much they care about the team,” Pole said.
“With the news coming out, our team is always hopeful and faithful that we will stay in. Our team is strong and we’re just hopeful that we have to do our job, that’s the main thing.”
The “news” Pole refers to is the decision by the team’s owners Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) to disband the team at the end of the competition citing financial difficulties.
Speaking to Tagata Pasifika, CEO of PMA Debbie Sorensen says it was a difficult decision to make.
“You know this is a really difficult time for everyone,” Sorensen said.
“So there’s been a lot of emotion, you know people are worried about what their future is. We’re worried about, are we looking after them well enough, making sure they’ve got enough support.
“Our sponsors that we have as a group are just amazing, some of them have been with us right from the beginning, but to get sponsors with cash is very problematic”
A group is understood to be interested in taking over the but as yet, nothing concrete is in place.
Away from board room drama, head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga praised his team’s strength despite being made aware of the devastating news.
“We understand where we are at, and we understand what’s going on. I’m so proud of the guys being able to park that in the car park, and come into training. You know we enjoy ourselves and we talk a lot around persevering and keeping faith but also just controlling what we can control,” Faalogo said.
“Man, rugby, you’ve got a short life span in this game. If you can get something, no one will hold it against you. It’s that uncertainty, that’s what brings a lot of anxiety.
“This is their livelihood. And it’s not just the players, it’s the staff behind it. There are a lot of people affected by it.”
For Abraham Pole, he reminded fans and the community to stay strong through it all. With only a few games left for the year, the support of the fans is what keeps the team strong through it all.
“To our people, our family who have been there since day one, stay in it and stay with us, and lets see what happens aye.”
And it’s that same message and mentality that Whangarei fan Morunga stands strong by.
“It doesn’t matter what team you support, get out there and support them,” he says.
“Show them you support them because the players really appreciate it. Stay strong boys, do your best. The off field stuff will take care of itself.”
*Some quotes have been edited for clarity
