Pasifika SR team
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@kiwimurph ah. i had hoped we would continue with the domestic/TT split. I'm rather enjoying the domestic only segment.
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@kiwimurph said in Pasifika SR team:
Wasn't sure where to put this.
In the same thread where I had already posted it?
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@stargazer said in Pasifika SR team:
In the same thread where I had already posted it?
It was moved here
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Just reiterating how an Auckland based team makes zero sense. The Blues need all the support and players they can get. If the choice is Pasifika in Auckland or not at all, scupper it. Make it Hawaiian or Australian-based if Samoa and Tonga are logistically impossible.
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@stargazer do we know if Moana Pasifika will be based in NZ?
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@stargazer agreed, have to get the rules right, i do hope the existing teams wont hold on too tight to fringe players though, maybe the existing teams can protect a certain number and others can negotiate ?
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@kiwiwomble That depends on how you define "fringe players". IMO, players on development/academy contracts should be off limits. That's the depth that NZ franchises need in case of injury and for the future.
Personally, I think they should only be able to sign players that are capped by Tonga or Samoa, or are willing to declare for Tonga or Samoa (and thus forego on their chances of ever playing for NZ), but with the same number of exceptions as NZ franchises have for PI players.
The main aim of these teams should be to sign players from the Islands, not from NZ, because the purpose of Pasifika Moana (and the Drua) is to provide a professional pathway in the Pacific for PI players that want to play for Tonga/Samoa (to prevent them from going to Europe) and to get back players now based in Europe (to avoid the reluctance of European clubs to release these players when they want to play for Tonga/Samoa).
If they can just go after every player (of Pasifika heritage) in NZ without a full contract, that doesn't only damage New Zealand's depth, but it also doesn't do anything beneficial for rugby in Tonga/Samoa and it would only be an incentive for players from the Island to move to NZ.
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@mofitzy_ The Fijian Drua will probably be based in Fiji, just like they were when they played in the NRC.
Pasifika Moana, I'm afraid that will be in NZ, in a region with a large Pacific community. Other than Auckland, I can only think of Porirua ...
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@stargazer
Ok, but do they have a stadium? -
@mofitzy_ Obviously, the decision about where they'll be based will influence which stadium will be their home stadium, but also the reverse: where they'll find a suitable stadium is more likely to influence the choice of their base. Several stadiums around Auckland, I think? Maybe Pukekohe (Counties' stadium)? No idea how big that is. Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua will probably be too small, althoug I like the ground. There's room for a stand at the other side, but it would be a huge decision with financial implications, to build one.
