“Now our boys will get to represent them and remember our past” (Moana Pasifika coach Faalogo Tana Umaga)
The Pacific Islanders rugby team was a merger of the three islands of Samoa, Fiji and Tonga and was created in 2003-04 and featured some superstar talent.
Continuing on the tradition, Moana Pasifika carries forward the legacy set by the PI team, creating its own wave and journey in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The side have unveiled their heritage jersey for this season, which honours the 2004 strip worn by the Pacific Islanders team.
The jersey is a replica of the one worn by the Pacific Islanders who played the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium, which is now the home base for Moana Pasifika.
It’s a full circle moment for Moana coaches Faalogo Tana Umaga and Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua.
Mapusua was part of the PI side in 2004 who faced the All Blacks, who at the time was captained by Faalogo.
“When we got together for that campaign, we talked about shocking the world” Mapusua said.
“We were sick of beating up each other in terms of our Pacific nations and we finally got a chance to have a crack at the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks”
“We never thought we would have our own team. To see this full circle moment come around it will be pretty special for our people”
For Fa’alogo, their clash against the PI team in 2004 still is ingrained in his memory.
“They gave us a fright, I think some of our players still have nightmares about that day” he said.
“The mindset is the same with our boys that are here. Now our boys will get to represent them and remember our past”
The jersey can now be purchased here.
