Rugby

Rugby great Michael Jones and former Black Ferns captain Seiuli Fiao'o Fa'amausili are among the big names on the new NZ Rugby panel.

“The more Pasifika people see their own people in rugby administration, governance roles and places where you can evoke positive change, the better the game will be for our community,” he says. “We’re also here to support Clarke in his role as Pasifika engagement advisor and work with NZ Rugby, which includes advocating for our Pasifika players.” The aim is that the community is better represented in “the governance space, the non-playing pathways such as match officials and administration,” he says. “His cultural responsiveness lifted the game to a whole new level,” says Clarke. “This is what the members of the Pasifika Advisory Group hope to continue to do for our community.” “In the All Blacks, 50% are Pasifika and in the Black Ferns, there are more, with around 70% Pacific contribution,” Clarke says. “We started to explain to him that when he shouts and swears at the boys, they’re thinking, ‘what have I done now?’ and ‘my coach doesn’t like me’,” Clarke explains.