RICHARD & SCARLETT PLAYERS PERSPECTIVE LIFE PLAYING RUGBY IN JAPAN WITH RICHARD & AMY KAHUI and TANERAU & ALANA LATIMER

ALL KNOW THAT are going to a different culture so be When the Kahui’s arrived at their NEW ZEALAND realistic.” apartment it only contained beds. IS THE BEST The Kahui’s appreciated the offer to Fortunately the Kiwis in the team PLACE IN THE go to Japan, it seemed like a logical rallied around and got them plates and WORLDWE TO LEARN TO PLAY RUGBY choice with the financial opportunity it utensils. BUT THERE SOMETIMES COMES A TIME presented and with Richard having been Richard said, “You cannot read anything IN A PLAYER’S CAREER WHERE THEY plagued by multiple shoulder injuries. as it is all in Japanese, so you don’t WANT TO TRAVEL, LIVE IN A DIFFERENT Richard was happy with his decision to know if it is a food shop or clothes COUNTRY AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF go abroad, but he freely admits it was shop. However over time you start FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES ON OFFER, a lot of hard work to submerge into the recognising things. SO THEY TURN TO PLAYING THEIR Japanese way of living. Having been “You are trying to set up your whole new RUGBY OFFSHORE. injury free for three years playing in life but it is a daunting task. Setting a Japanese competition where your up bank accounts is a mission and so is average player weight is about 80kg getting a Hanko stamp – you don’t sign compared to New Zealand’s 100Kg his anything, you use your own personal body has thanked him. stamp. Prior to making his decision to go, “You have to arrange a foreigner’s Richard flew over to have a look at the card. You have a special card with you club and get a feel for the place. He to make sure you are allowed in the also spoke to their New Zealand players country. It is a time consuming process David Hill, Stephen Bates and Cooper and things we take for granted here like Vuna. getting your phone, take a long time and RICHARD, AMY & SCARLETT The Kiwis at Toshiba made it easier for you need help. the Kahui’s. Richard found talking to As a rule of thumb it is easier for a RICHARD & AMY KAHUI them before he went allowed him and player to transition into a playing Former Rugby World Cup winning All Amy to get a good grasp on what they environment abroad but it is the partner Black and player Richard Kahui were heading to. who finds it more challenging. and his wife Amy and former All Black, “I bought a lot of books on Japanese The Kahui’s found it took a fair bit of Chiefs Centurion and now player customs which I found really useful. I adjustment. Tanerau Latimer and his wife Alana give think it is important to prepare yourself “You go from a house into 60 square us their perspective on dealing with the as much as you can for the cultural side metre apartment and you also get to challenges they faced when they made and the customs,” said Richard. the transition to play in Japan. “It is really a culture built on politeness Three years ago the Kahui’s shifted to and courtesy. Toshiba which is based in a town called “For example how to act when you drink, Fuchu, 25 minutes west of Tokyo by what the procedures and the protocols train. The densely populated town with are. They don’t expect foreigners to an abundance of concrete buildings was know them, but it helps your transition quite different from what the pair were into their culture and the team if you used to coming from the Waikato. try. They appreciate the effort. We Thirty year-old Kahui said “What I have started learning Japanese before we learned is don’t always expect the went, which I would highly recommend transition to be smooth sailing. You as it helped.” RICHARD, SCARLET T & JAKE

74 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | JUNE/JULY 2016 spend a lot more time together,” “You have to learn from the people company and they take it very said Richard. that are there. You don’t just go seriously. The rules are the rules “It can be a real test of your to one super market. Everyone and there is no flexibility at all. relationship.” does little shops everyday not a big “Over there you go to jail for just Initially the player has to do their bit weekly shop like we are used to. about everything which fosters to fit in with the team which can be their honest and safe culture. I challenging for partners as they are have left my phone and wallet left on their own more. It is easy to feel behind and they always gets “We introduced Amy to the other invisible and lost returned. Japan is safe, everyone is expats partners and we had dinners when you first get so honest. which was useful. Building those there. You just “You can also ride your bike and connections and new friends is have to hang in walk anywhere. It is a really safe vital,” said Richard. there - the first feeling and a nice place.” Communication is tough, especially year is the hardest While the Kahui’s agree that things in Japan because the cultural and it does get are daunting the upside is that differences are so massive. It takes easier. things are exciting. a long time and the processes are “The food and culture are amazing slow for getting things done like especially for a fish lover like me,” getting your internet and phone You have to order steaks on-line said Richard. hooked up. They take hours, through the internet. “When you play rugby you are only days and weeks. It can be really “We love the food but be warned away for one night so there is less frustrating. Everything you can do that it is not like Western Japanese time away from the family which at home you can’t do as quickly in food. The things you think you are means you get to spend more time Japan. going to love are not what you end together. There are less demands “It took about 3 months to feel up loving. It is easy to feel invisible on your time with rugby. settled in,” Amy said. and lost when you first get there. Japanese captain and Chiefs player Amy points out: “There is a level of You just have to hang in there the Michael Leitch owns a café nearby isolation. You don’t have your local first year it is the hardest and it called ‘plus64’. “We try and head anything. You don’t have a sense does get easier. We were lucky to there as regularly as possible. It of belonging which the boys get get the opportunity so we were is a good taste of home because through the team. You struggle to committed to make the most of it. he serves a kiwi big breakfast but work out where you fit and how can “The locals are aware that some Richard in his well-known teasing you call it home. foreigners just go for the money manner says he doesn’t shout his “I was aware of the isolation factor and not try with the culture which is mates too much! but it was a bigger issue than I considered very rude.” thought it was going to be. If you On the rugby side of things Richard can connect to one of the other says that it is not like New Zealand player’s partners before you get rugby. there it would really help.” “There is not the same open “I came home frequently the first dialogue amongst players and two years and in hindsight that coaches due to the culture. The probably hindered my ability to level of knowledge is different and create my life fully in Japan. their style is different. Once they “Developing even one close friend understand you as a person, you makes such a difference and is the earn the ability to have more input. key. You need other friendships In the early stages it is better just away from your partner. to go with the flow and accept that Reading books ahead of their it is very different.” arriving to Japan helped”. You can The Japanese have a strong go on and not realize how rude you emphasis on behaviour. Their are being because you don’t know culture is built on courtesy and the culture. For example you never respect and if you do something stick your chopsticks in the bowl. wrong it reflects on you and the AMY & SCARLETT

JUNE/JULY 2016 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 75 PLAYERS PERSPECTIVE ...CONTINUED

“Once I had my kids I accepted the flow with the rugby. When you decide to lifestyle more and really made a go of it go overseas, make sure you are ready to which has helped.” go. You are not going change the style My Mum visited frequently which of the Japanese so accept that and roll was great. It forced us to get out and with it.” explore. “It is challenging, but a heck of an It makes you appreciate what you take experience. It is the opposite end of for granted at home. Like being able to the spectrum so you are totally out of walk out of your house onto grass. You your comfort zone but it broadens your have to bike everywhere with the kids horizons,” he says. on your bike. For me I have one on the “Just like Kaks (Richard Kahui), I loved front and on the back. It is good for the food, it is the best in the world your natural fitness. because I loved seafood.” ENJOYING THE SIGHTS The Kahui’s believe they are lucky to Alana has some practical advice for have the opportunity to live in another anyone going over. The Kahuis appreciate the coffee country. It makes them appreciate “Definitely learn Japanese and try and shop “They have tried to bring a few what we have living in New Zealand and sort out what you want for furniture on- of the best things in New Zealand like to make the most of their time in Japan line. Get a list of what you are going to Allpress coffee, afghan biscuits and the while they can. get before you get there from Ikea.” traditional breakfast,” says Richard. “Grocery shopping is a lot harder. To get Homesickness is an issue, they both everything you need just for a normal admit you miss the lifestyle and the shop you have to go to four different ease of New Zealand living. places. Meat is ordered on-line. “You appreciated the little things when “To go 12km takes 40 minutes in a you come home, like the shop owners car which is why everyone uses bikes. greeting you and having a chat,” says Drivers are very cautious so you feel Amy. safe on your bike.” “Social media contact helps. SKYPE is “Having family visit you really helps and brilliant.” breaks up the blocks. Having regular Mother of two, Amy states that kids add TANERAU LATIMER visits was something to look forward a whole new dimension to your overseas to.” experience and Richard chips in saying TANERAU & ALANA LATIMER Alana believes having good connections you cannot beat a kiwi lifestyle to bring Tanerau Latimer, his wife and son went with foreigners from Suntory and up kids. to Toshiba in August 2014. Toshiba in the same city was helpful as Richard says “There are a lot of big The Latimer’s agree it was difficult there were a great bunch of Mums with companies in Fuchu so they do a lot setting up their 85m2 apartment kids which helped out. for young family’s compared to other because of the language barriers. She said “I absolutely loved it. Being places in Japan.” “It was hard not being able to ask emerged in a new culture was “If you have kids it is helpful to find questions about furniture and telling interesting and our son went to people with kids the same age. To build them the address for locations for Japanese kindy. He cried for the first connections with expats is crucial. You deliveries was tough,” said Alana. three weeks but got to love it and have to commit to finding a life there “I did some Japanese before I went, developed a good bond with his sensei and not keep thinking my life was at but I didn’t learn enough to ask the (teacher). It was quite sad when we left home in New Zealand.” appropriate questions for setting up a because he was at the age where he The Kahui’s daughter was born in house. Hand gestures, signals and body really misses her.” Japan. Amy said the medical system is language help you to communicate.” Tanerau suggests on the flip side to fantastic but the language barrier was “You miss your family and your friends making the move to go overseas, make challenging. but we went over with an attitude that sure you are ready to come home. “I was fortunate to have an English we were go to make the most of it. We “Home is always going to be home so it speaking doctor but the reality was were able to spend more family time is good to see the world and travel while none of the nurses spoke English, but together and go out on the bike which you can.” the nurses were really hands on and was good.” caring.” Tanerau stated “You have to go with the

76 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | JUNE/JULY 2016 MAKING THE DECISION TO PLAY OVERSEAS If you are thinking about playing off-shore here are some things you should work through when making your decision:

JOHN HARDIE GARETH ANSCOMBE

AVE YOU ACHIEVED TO A LEVEL registration process in IN NZ THAT YOU ARE NOW HAPPY the new country, and TO MOVE ONTO A NEW PHASE IN what is the time frame for YOUR CAREER? this? HIS THE CLUB A STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR • Do you know the NET YOU AND YOUR FAMILY? worth (figure after tax) of • Does the club compete at a level you are your contract? happy with? • Do you understand the • Does the club have competent coaching? non-resident/resident • Who are the marquee players at the club? tax implications of • Who are the players in your position that playing and earning you will compete with for a playing spot? overseas? • Are there other foreign players and • Is there an image rights families at the club? component to the • Does the club have a reputation for contract and do you looking after their foreign families well? understand what that is • Does the club pay salaries on time? and requirements? • What schooling options are there for ARE YOU USING A COMPETENT AGENT/ your children? MANAGEMENT COMPANY? Business partners • What are the accommodation • Do you know and trust the agent or arrangements for you and your family? company you are using to facilitate an • Does the club have a staff member off-shore deal? appointed to looking after the foreign • What is the reputation of the families? management company you are using • Does the club have services that focus with foreign clubs? on your career, education and personal • Does the agent/company have a development i.e. can you continue/begin reputation for providing on-going study, undertake a trade, or gain work service post contract negotiation? experience. Find out if they have any • Does the management company have form of support for players in this area. people on the ground in the new country DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CONTRACT to assist you and your family with day to AND WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN ASKED TO day issues that may arise? SIGN? • Beware of agents not known to you who • What is the term of the contract? ask that you sign a mandate with their Preferential providers • Do you understand the termination company before they will tell you the clauses? name of a club supposedly expressing • What insurance is provided by the club interest in your services. whilst playing – both for yourself AND your family? If you have any questions call 0800PLAYER • Who will take care of the visa/residency or visit www.nzrpa.co.nz to view process for yourself/family? information on accredited agents. • Who is looking after the playing

Information supplied by Craig Innes, former player and NZRPA accredited agent.

JUNE/JULY 2016 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 77 THE ARE LISTENING TO WHAT THE Seven Years - Lukas Graham Don’t Let me down - Chain Smokers HURRICANES Never be like you - Flume ARE WATCHING Cheap Thrills - Sia Stressed Out - 21 Pilots The Vikings Light it Up – Major Lazer The Hunt Lush Life – Zara Larsson The Bachelor All My Friends – Snakehips One news sports page Midddle – DJ Snake PLAYING RUGBY OFFSHORE THE TAX MAN IS WATCHING SO GET IT SORTED BEFORE YOU GO!

T IS ADVISABLE TO GET YOUR SITUATION tax different sources of income (different countries PROFESSIONALLY ASSESSED PRIOR TO have different rules.) It is important to address PLAYING OVERSEAS SO YOU DON’T GET these issues before you leave New Zealand to ensure YOURSELF IN TROUBLE WITH THE TAX you understand what your tax obligations will be. DEPARTMENTSI IN NEW ZEALAND OR THE Some simple planning before you leave could result COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING ON PLAYING IN in significant savings for you that may not be able OTHERWISE IT COULD BE COSTLY. YOU RUN to be achieved once your playing contract starts. An THE RISK DOUBLE TAXATION AND IT CAN BE AN overall factual assessment of the circumstances EXPENSIVE AND CHALLENGING TASK TO FIX IT of each player needs to be carried out to determine UP ONCE YOU’RE OVERSEAS. WE RECOMMEND tax residency and no two players necessarily have PLAYERS SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEFORE the same tax residency status. The detection for LEAVING NEW ZEALAND. . non-compliance with the New Zealand tax system New Zealand Tax Residency - Issues to consider is high due to the media profile rugby players have when heading offshore so don’t think it doesn’t matter. You can lose your If you are a New Zealand tax resident, there are rugby contract, risk heavy fines and face jail terms a number of asset planning and tax issues to be for wilfully ignoring your tax obligations. You may considered if you are going to play rugby overseas. also have to pay significant penalties and interest Determining the tax residency of an individual is for getting you tax position wrong. required to establish which country has the right to

78 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | JUNE/JULY 2016 PLAYING OFF SHORE - PLAYER PHOTOS SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT TOPIC CONTACT POINT

Tax Residency Status You should speak with: • How long do you intend on being away • A New Zealand based from New Zealand? accountant or tax advisor who • What ties are you retaining in New is familiar with the tax residency Zealand? e.g: your home, rental property, rules and the current legislation NORTHLAND: SOLE ALAIMALO AND SESIMANUI TUPOU DOING A immediate family, other investments, and case law. SHOPPING ON A BUDGET TRIP cash, vehicles, memberships, etc. • An accountant or tax advisor • What ties are you developing outside based in the country you are of New Zealand? e.g: your home (owned playing in who understands the or rented), length of rugby contract domestic tax legislation. and rights to extend, rental properties, immediate family, other investments, cash, vehicles, memberships, etc. • What are the individual income tax rates in the overseas country you are going to play in?

Banking Arrangements You should speak with: COUNTIES MANUKAU ACADEMY • Do you have a New Zealand bank • Your New Zealand based PLAY PICTIONARY DURING account that needs to remain open? banker regarding your New FAMILY PLANNING SESSION • Do you have a loan for a New Zealand Zealand banking needs and asset (house, car, etc) that will require they may refer you to contacts repayments even if you move offshore? overseas. • Do you have a bank account opened in • Your player agent in New the foreign country? Zealand may have banking relationships in the country you are moving to. SOUTHLAND: FORMER PLAYER AND NEW COACH JASON KAWAU AND Record Keeping You should speak with: LIAM HOWLEY WORK THROUGH THE • It is important to keep adequate records • An accountant can provide you CAREER CARD SORTS. to allow your accountant to prepare your a comprehensive list of records income tax return in New Zealand and/ to be kept (depending on your or the country you are playing in. These circumstances) and outline records will include: payslips supporting ways of doing this (including rugby income, RWT certificates to support software tips). interest income, dividend statements, records to support rental income and deductible expenses, records to support other sources of income and associated expenses.

Contractual Arrangements You should speak with: • There are ways to structure a rugby An accountant or tax advisor contract for the player to obtain a tax to understand where tax CHIEFS: TEVITA AND BELINDA efficient outcome, particularly where efficiencies can be generated KOLOAMATANGI WITH THEIR NEW BABY MAKAI “image rights” or other extraordinary when your contract is being terms are included in a contract. negotiated. • Your agent to understand the contractual terms and what they mean.

Advisory Team You should speak with: As your career advances, it is important Your player agent and personal to build a network of ‘trusted advisors’ development manager to get who have expertise in different areas introductions or references of (ie: investment advice, lawyers, banking, advisors in different areas of accounting and tax, relationship property, expertise. etc). : MITCH DUNSHEA We recommend that this ‘team’ be PRESENTS HIS SPEECH DURING built over time and these people can be PUBLIC SPEAKING SESSION approached to provide independent views on your goals and aspirations for life during and after your rugby career.

JUNE/JULY 2016 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 79 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AWARD WINNER LUKE WHITELOCK Canterbury & Crusaders and now Highlanders

HE NZRPA AND NZR JOINTLY Adam and Sam to further his rugby career, of concern in relation to player welfare MANAGE THE PLAYER’S PERSONAL and enrolling at university was part of the and the environment in which they work. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (PDP) adventure. The position requires the player to be a WHICH HAS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT In 2013 Luke completed his Bachelor of spokesperson on NZRPA initiatives. Luke TMANAGERS (PDMS) AVAILABLE TO WORK WITH Commerce in management at the University was also a strong advocate for the Personal EMERGING, CURRENT AND TRANSITIONING MEN of Canterbury. In a Canterbury University Development Programme. AND WOMEN PLAYERS ON THEIR PERSONAL article Luke said “The biggest thing I have During Canterbury’s successful ITM AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT. THE PDP learnt is time management; I am able to Cup campaign Luke used his personal IS THERE TO SUPPORT, GUIDE AND ASSIST plan ahead. When doing my degree I had to development programme well to arrange a PLAYERS IN THEIR CAREER, EDUCATION see a lot of lecturers outside of class due to work experience opportunity with the Agri AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND TO my rugby commitments. They were really Business team at BNZ. Cameron Blain, Agri CHALLENGE PLAYERS TO GET THE BEST OUT OF helpful and understood the situation. As Business Partner, was happy to have Luke THEMSELVES - BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD. long as I was prepared to work, they were along for the day and for him to get a bit of a prepared to help me.” feel for the Agri team’s objectives, priorities THE OTHER FINALISTS WERE: Not resting on his laurels Luke arranged and issues. Cameron went on to say “The James Broadhurst – Hurricanes a group of players to go through their two farming clients we met with on the day Michael Leitch – Chiefs Level 1 Dive Certificate during the 2014 were thrilled to have such a quality Crusader Lote Raikabula – All Black Men’s Sevens Crusaders campaign completing the in their midst and was great that Luke certificate with two open water dives off the had a natural affinity with the clients and coast of Kaikoura. In 2015 he took up the their farming businesses given his farming Luke Whitelock – Canterbury & Crusaders opportunity to gain his Class 2 Heavy Vehicle background.” and now Highlanders licence through Master Drive a general skill Due to Luke’s consistent, pro-active Luke Whitelock’s attitude to everything that he knows will come in handy on the attitude to look for opportunities to gain he applies himself to is exemplary. The farm back home just out of Palmerston skills away from the rugby field he was importance of developing skills away from North. awarded with the Pat Vincent Outstanding the rugby field as well as on it has always Luke also took over the mantle and Off-field Achievement award at the been part of the deal growing up in the role of Player Representative from his Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Awards at Whitelock family. brother Adam for the 2015 seasons for the end of 2015. Being the youngest of the four sons, both the Crusaders and Canterbury. The Congratulations Luke. Luke made the move south to position involved communicating and to join his three older brothers George, liaising with the NZRPA around any areas

“The biggest thing I have learnt is time management; I am able to plan ahead. When doing my degree I had to see a lot of lecturers outside of class due to my rugby commitments. They were really helpful and understood the situation. As long as I was prepared to work, they were prepared to help me.” LUKE WHITELOCK

80 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | JUNE/JULY 2016 HUNTING DIARIES WITH WHOPPA

ALISTAIR MACKINTOSH ON MOUNT SURPRISE FARM IN FORTIFICATION, SOUTHERN SOUTHLAND

ELL WHAT A FEW our farm but I was always sure that shot on the home farm. MONTHS IT HAS they were pooping and grazing the It was a real rush for me and the old BEEN. I WAS LUCKY paddocks and crops on the block that man who skinned the deer that day and ENOUGH TO BE A PART my father and I purchased six years ago dropped it off at the butchery to feed OFW THE BARBARIANS TEAM TO PLAY so I knew it would only be a matter of the Woodlands rugby team – hope you ARGENTINA IN TWICKEHAM LAST time before I encountered a deer. enjoyed the feed lads. NOVEMBER. AFTER WE FINISHED Early one morning I was heading After coming home from a bit I POPPED DOWN TO VISIT MY OLD into the gums to roar up a Stag. As I of travelling it always makes you HUNTING AND RUGBY MATE TOM was walking up to the last gate I turned appreciate what a beautiful country DONNELLEY WHO WAS PLAYING IN to see a big fat red spiker munching New Zealand is and how easy it is to MONTPELLIER IN THE SOUTH OF on the swede crop, he shot off faster make the most of getting out doors and FRANCE. AFTER VISITING HIM FOR A than bugs bunny and jumped the enjoying the great activities we have at WEEK I BOOKED A HOLIDAY AROUND fence heading for the tree line. It was our doorstep. TURKEY AND ANZAC COVE. TO MY quite an impressive sight. I pulled out Now I am in America playing in their SURPRISE AS I WAS LITERALLY my trusty tike 270 and put one right first professional competition. Rugby BOARDING THAT FLIGHT I HAD A CALL through his rib cage, making this the is a great sport to make friends for life FROM JAKE WHITE THE MONTPELLIER first and hopefully not the last deer ever and see the world! COACH AND THREE DAYS LATER I WAS PLAYING RUGBY IN FRANCE IN FRONT OF 25,000 PEOPLE. Send a hunting or fishing photo and you Although in my region there was a could WIN $250 worth of Stoney Creek lot of pig hunting, it was very tough to organise a hunt, with some clear gear of your choice! language barriers being the major The good folk at Stoney Creek have given us a $250 credit for someone to spend on any Stoney hurdle. Between being a good member Creek merchandise of your choice. We know you like things simple, so send us your best high of my 125 cc scooter gang, playing resolution (that means we can print it, so needs to be 300kb in photo size) hunting or fishing rugby and drinking red wine, there photo to [email protected] and the best photo wins. The winner will be contacted by email wasn’t a lot of focus on the hunting, so to arrange your shopping trip and the picture will be published in the next edition of the magazine. naturally I was very keen to do some hunting when I arrived back home! When I got off the plane I spent one night at home and then headed straight to the hills and the hut with my good friends but we can save that CONGRATULATIONS story for another time. This wee story TO THE WINNER OF is actually on my own farm, which THE STONEY CREEK is based 40 mins out of Invercargill, VOUCHER south east towards the Catlins. We are SAM HENWOOD surround by gum and pine plantations and over the last 5 to 6 years the red – SAM SHOT THIS deer population has been on a healthy RED DEER NEAR MT increase. RUAPEHU I have actually never shot a deer on

JUNE/JULY 2016 | NZ RUGBY WORLD | 81