UNDERKAVA THE PACIFIC ISLAND PLAYERS BI-MONTHLY E-MAGAZINE xxx 2014

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Welcome 2 Education First, Football Second with Troy Polamanu 3 & 4 The Heart & Soul of the Fijian Warrior- Seremaia Bai 5 & 6 Only the Mentally Tough Thrive - Valarie Adams 7 & 8 PIPA members take up Coaching Levels 9 Life after Rugby - Nicky Little 10 & 11 Herbinia 12 21 Questions 13 & 14

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FOR ANY ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT ANA ON [email protected] TALOFA, BULA AND MALO E LELEI challenges in their daily lives that result in a unique set of obstacles to overcome. These challenges are often magnified in an elite sport environment. These can be anything from Talofa, Bula and Malo E Lelei loneliness to lack of social support to stressful life experiences Most of us want to know more about what makes champions to relationship problems to financial strain to alcohol abuse tick, what drives them to achieve, and most importantly what to chronic pain or to loss of contract. If you are struggling or they learn along the way. In this edition we are very proud to know someone who is struggling please reach out and talk have spent a few moments with two undisputed Pacific Island to us here at PIPA or a close friend. Through PIPA we have a world champions. We hope that sharing their thoughts will worldwide network of professionals who we can utilise for help inspire the next generation of Pacific Island sporting stars to no matter where you are located in the world. Important to over achieve not just as athletes but as people and members of remember that you are not alone and talking to someone will the Pacific Island family. The quality of people contributing to help provide some light at the end of the tunnel. UnderKava is immense. Amongst busy schedules we are grateful Whether your building up to end of season games in the for the time individuals are giving up, it is also a powerful North or building into the season in the South, we wish you all endorsement for PIPA that people like Troy Polamalu and Valerie the very best both on and off the field. Enjoy UnderKava!! Adams are willing to freely impart with their knowledge for us all to learn from. Deacs, Hale, Maps. Also in this edition, Nicky Little, a mainstay for over a decade with the Flying Fijians gives a very open and honest account of what he has learnt during his time as a professional rugby PIPA BOARD ANNOUCEMENT player. He also reflects on how he found his niche post rugby. PIPA held their inaugural Annual General Meeting on the A statement that he makes in his article, “I will never put my 31st March in Hong Kong. The purpose of the AGM was to family’s welfare against luck again,” is something well worth formalise PIPA as an organisation and fulfil the requirements reflecting on whilst reading his account. A big thanks to Nicky of being an incorporated society under New Zealand law. for taking the time to write his piece. Sharing stories like this are Nominations for our first player board were received and part of the legacy we want to build at PIPA whereby past players we are proud to announce the following PIPA members provide insight to those embarking on professional rugby who have been appointed onto the PIPA board as Player careers. representatives. Here at PIPA we continue to keep making steps to ensure the • – Seilala Mapusua players voice is heard and respected. As circulated in March, we held the inaugural PIPA Annual General Meeting in Hong Kong - following the Hong Kong 7’s. At the meeting nominated player representatives were elected to the PIPA board. Important to • – Deacon Manu note that the players nominated are volunteers who collectively - Seremaia Bai will act as the Pacific Island Players voice and seek feedback from the players on issues that affect them. They need your • – Hale T Pole feedback so that we can better ourselves and each other. Page __ introduces the representatives, they are there to help so don’t - Siale Piatu be shy to reach out to them.

Just finally, we were saddened by the news of the passing of The PIPA board will be supported by the International Tongan player Samuela Lisala (Samo) in France earlier in the Rugby Player Association (IRPA). Together the PIPA board FOR ANY ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT ANA ON year. Our thoughts and prayers from the PIPA family go out and IRPA will ensure the strategic direction of PIPA is set to his family and friends. It is well accepted that professional and the players’ voice is heard and respected. sportspeople, both current and former have circumstances or [email protected] IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 1 & 2 Troy Polamalu EDUCATION FIRST, FOOTBALL SECOND

Troy Polamalu needs little introduction for all you NFL devotees. westernised upbringing that I had, it was as much Samoan as I could be.” Two Superbowl rings with his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers are the He says it would be a great idea if future Pacific rugby academies could run highlights of a glittering decade-long career as a safety, but there along education lines, whereby it is deemed crucial to maintain grades even are many strands to this humble athlete. after signing as a pro, like exists in the NFL. Down the phone from his San Diego off-season base, it is clear “Unfortunately professional sport is about entertainment, it’s about money. Polamalu is not just putting on airs and graces. He is exactly who To me education starts from the home. Parents have to be accountable to he is and seems. In fact, he is the most down-to-earth sports star show the children why education is important. They can’t just take them this journalist has met since Ruben Wiki of Warriors and Kiwis to quarterback coaches, from a football perspective, and not take them to fame. tutors. There are a lot of kids who will go to quarterback coaches from the age of seven, but if they don’t make it to the NFL they often have nothing He doesn’t talk a lot about his footballing feats. They are well to fall back on. If they do make it, they don’t have the education to handle documented. No, the underlying theme of our chat is education, all the adversity or the fame or the money.” one of his many passions, but one which he attaches huge importance, just behind family and his American Samoan culture. So how does he easily separate the professional athlete from the quite family man? “I left school (US college) early. I did my education at the University of Southern California but went back nine years later Well, for one, he is not a social animal, nor does he believe the hype. You and finished my degree (Bachelor of History). I made a promise won’t find Polamalu watching replays of his greatest hits. to my family that I would get my degree,” says the quietly-spoken 32-year-old. “Thank God I have a wife that is very honest with me, but is also very supportive of me. You have to be the same person. If you are selfish in life, “Not everyone can be a professional athlete, but education and you’re going to be a selfish player on the field. To me there is a correlation. knowledge is something no one can take away from you. That was I try and be who I am whether it be on the field, where I am passionate very important for me. about my football, or passionate about how I love my family,” he says. “My wife Theodora has her degree and it was very important for “Football is a beautiful battleground. It’s a great team sport, but it requires us as parents to show our children, who are five (Paisios) and humility within the team, discipline within the system.” three (Ephraim), and others, the importance of education.” Polamalu is happy to hear of the formation of PIPA. He is part of the NFL In 2011 he returned to American Samoa with some of his fellow players’ union and there are plenty of players of Tongan or Samoan descent NFL stars to run the Fa’a American Samoan Camp, help out to connect with for support. through his charity work and generally try to inspire the next generation. Polamalu says the experience was “humbling and “People have their different opinions about unions, of course, but I overwhelming”, so expect more trips back to the land of his do believe that people have to be held accountable. Fortunately, or forefathers in the future. unfortunately, unions have to be formed to help the working men. Our union is helpful.” “Our foundation is working in American Samoa to educate kids. American football is much bigger there than rugby and vice He highlights three areas if he were to offer advice to young PI athletes. versa in Samoa. Our mission there is trying to help educate kids “I would say the first thing is to stay true to who you are as a human being. there through scholarships, be it football, rugby, volleyball, both Stay humble in your athletic life, your personal life, your spiritual life. I have male and female. “Athletics are so natural to us Samoans and always believed that everyone out there is better than me in football, so Polynesians that I feel it is more of an accomplishment when I that’s what drives me to work harder. I sometimes have trouble talking to see Polynesians that are lawyers, judges and doctors, that really younger players, who are 10 years younger than me, because I still look up commit to education. To me, that is way more of a success story to them! So maximise yourself as a person. It’s better to be a great person than, say, me just playing professional football. first before being a great athlete. “The beautiful thing about being in Samoa is that we didn’t have “Education, education, education! the distractions we have here. Social media is not big in Samoa, pop culture is not big there. What you have is a beautiful raw “Train sports-specific. I see a lot of guys make the mistake. They play mind, so untainted by outside adversity that many people in the football or rugby and they try and train like an MMA fighter or like a USA don’t have. There is no limit to that and I believe if we can marathon runner. Whatever your sport requires, that’s what you need to push the academic side of things but still keep our tradition, and be training. The most I ever run is 100 yards, so I don’t want to be running the things that make us Samoan.” more than 110 in training.” Polamalu was born in the USA, but raised in the fa’a Samoa And when it’s over for Troy Polamalu the Steeler, don’t expect him to (Samoan way) and this culture strongly influences his life now take up the coach’s clipboard and whistle. He’ll be working with kids along with his religion and spirituality. somewhere, instilling his values and imparting the importance of education. “It was much different to being raised on the island but for the

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 3 & 4 Stay true to who you are as a human being, Stay Humble Troy Polamalu What will he be doing in 10 years? “When you live day-to-day, it’s hard to talk years!” Status of his legendary hair? “I’m not sure of the length. I’ve grown it out for 13 years. There are a lot more Polys out here with longer hair. I’m trying to get my inner Tana Umaga going!” Hobbies? “I got really into orchids one off-season. I learnt so much about grapes and vines and wines. It really got me into horticulture. But surfing is probably my No 1 hobby. There’s such a commitment to training, though, so I’ve only been out surfing once lately. I also love to eat, which will be no surprise to Polys.” (Playing the piano and watching movies are other hobbies, and he enjoys dispensing gifts to his fans every Friday on Twitter) Music? “I like reggae, from Bob Marley to island reggae and all sorts.” Favourite PI rugby player? “Tana Umaga was my favourite, but one of my life goals would be to come and watch the All Blacks play in New Zealand. The All Blacks live versus Samoa would be great. Whenever the 7s are here in Las Vegas, I try to watch them.” Check out his official website at http://troy43.com By Campbell Burnes Former Manu Samoa player

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 3 & 4 We are the mouth piece for individual player for players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Seremaia Bai

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 7 & 8 Seremaia Bai BAI BYE RUGBY

Seremaia Bai is entering the home stretch of his lengthy and Top of his highlight list is being part of Fiji’s stirring 2007 RWC successful career, but still has a couple of rugby goals to tick off campaign, in which the Flying Fijians beat Wales and made the before he hangs up his well-travelled boots. quarter-finals for the second time. The 35-year-old Flying Fijian rep would love nothing more than As you can imagine, Bai, a newly installed PIPA board member, is to sign off with his third appearance next year happy to plug the new organisation and what it stands for. in England. He will also get to taste the English Premiership when his final contract, with the , starts later this year. “We are the mouthpiece for individual players from Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. It’s very important. There hasn’t been a pathway for Pacific Bai, a goalkicker who is most comfortable in the No 12 jersey, Island rugby before, where we can give our opinions. PIPA is a has played 49 tests for Fiji since 2000, plus eight for the Pacific blessing to Pacific rugby.” Islanders. Bai also has firm views on the future direction of PI rugby and its He has been the quintessential rugby nomad, playing his trade in three leading nations. New Zealand (Southland), Japan (Yamaha) and now France, where he spent four years at Clermont and the last four at Castres, the “I would love to see one of the Pacific Island nations win the reigning French champs. Rugby World Cup, but I would love to see one of the big three – New Zealand, Australia or South Africa – play here in Fiji. The top Bai, his wife Mele and four children have enjoyed their time in tier one nations need to compete against the tier two nations France, though he says he struggles a bit in the dark depths of more. We’ve got the talent. I’ve always believed that if you want to winter in the south-west. be the best, you have to play against the best. Every year we test ourselves against Tonga and Samoa (in the Pacific Nations Cup) “But the kids are fluent in French. It’s funny because we struggle and sometimes there is a sameness about it, a tired competition.” with stuff and are always asking them to translate for us!” says Bai. Bai has the vast experience and mana for his words to carry Post-rugby life is uppermost in his mind now. meaning. It would be gratifying to see his calls heeded in the not “I decided a long time ago that once I finish rugby I want to go too distant future. back home. There are a lot of opportunities overseas to live and work, but to me I am always thinking of promoting rugby in Fiji.” By Campbell Burnes Home is the town of Nausori, not far from . He has a farm there, and always gets back there in June or July after the French Former Manu Samoa player club season. “I always count myself as a village boy from Nausori. It’s quite amazing. You come from Fiji, where you might not have any hopes, and I come over here (Europe), and manage to play 14 years of professional rugby, playing for Fiji (in 7s and 15s), winning trophies and playing with some of the top players in the world,” he says.

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 5 & 6 Valarie Adams ONLY THE MENTALLY TOUGH THRIVE

Val Adams is tired after a full-on training session just two days doesn’t matter. If you win the game with one try, that’s all you need.” Very true. after getting back from another successful, winning trip to Europe. While Adams’ game face is well known – no one and nothing will disrupt But she is not one to whinge. She just gets on with the task in her focus when she is looking to “smack the crap” out of that shot put – she hand, dedicated professional that she is, and sounds remarkably has the happy knack of being able to switch off when it comes time to relax. upbeat down the phone. Such is life for the world’s best female Friends and family (she has no less than 17 siblings) are, then, never far from shot putter, undefeated in nearly four years, the world No 1, the her thoughts. world indoor and outdoor champion, the Olympic champion. The “When I’m around people that I love, like my family, I switch off pretty easily. hunted. I try and live as normal a life as possible when I am home, when I’m just Val “I was the hunter, then the hunted, the hunter, and now back to to them or Aunty Val to the kids, Val the sister or Val the sister-in-law. To me, being the hunted. It’s a very hard position to be in, although it is that’s most important.” also an awesome position to be in. I’ve worked so hard to win You’ll often see her sideline watching the Breakers basketball team with a competitions and as an athlete I know I’m putting in the hard smile never far from her dial, and she is proud of how well her younger half- work to be in that spot. I’m going to work my arse off for that to brother Steven Adams is doing with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. continue as long as possible,” declares Adams. After listening to that, I have no reason to disbelieve her. Skype, Facebook, Twitter, texting or email become vital for Adams, as she spends much of the year on the road, living frugally out of a suitcase in Her biographer Phil Gifford, who also penned Peter Fatialofa’s Switzerland or some other shot putting destination. book, says Adams is undoubtedly the most dedicated athlete he has come across in 50 years in the sports scribing game. “Family is the most important thing to me. Social networking and the Adams trains harder than anyone, we can say that without fear of technology available today enables me to keep in touch with my family, contradiction, but her mental strength is as impressive as her shot whether I am near or far, although it’s not the same as being there in person. putter’s physique and technique. But you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. They keep me grounded, which is important, and if you can get laughs, cuddles and smiles out of the kids, that’s “I’m mentally quite strong and I’m lucky that I’m really driven to pretty amazing,” she says. be a successful athlete for New Zealand but also for my people. I have a great support around me that helps me do what I have to do (coach Jean-Pierre Egger, manager Nick Cowan, and physio Lou That grounded attitude stems from her late mother Lilika – Lilika mei Moana Johnson). I do love the challenges and being unbeaten for such a Niupalau from Houma – who ranks as one of two major inspirations in long time makes it even more motivating for me,” she says. Adams’ life. “As you get older, things change physically with your body and you “My mother is the biggest hero of my life. She was the strongest woman I need to become mature and smarter about things. All in all, I’m knew, straight from Tonga, she grounded me, and brought me up to who I am very strong mentally to be able to overcome things.” today. Winning the world indoor title last month in Poland was one of “My coach Jean-Pierre saved my career and enabled me to live and follow my the sweeter victories of her stellar career. She had undergone dream.” ankle surgery last year and was unsure how soon she would regain her form and fitness. That dream started in 1990s south for this tall kid of Tongan descent. She has often spoken of her connection with her Tongan heritage but she “That was very sweet. I was quite nervous going into that as to surprised more than a few people at the 2013 Pacific Sports Awards when how things would pan out. For a lot of reasons, the last six months she made her acceptance speech in fluent, confident Tongan. There are many have been full-on, with a lot of repetitive work and rehab. It’s all strings to the bow of this talented woman. been worth it, though.” I recall hearing her speak, beautifully and with passion, at an ASB Young On the 2014 horizon is the July Commonwealth Games in Sportsperson of the Year dinner when she was barely 20. I made a mental note Glasgow, the world champs in Morocco and the Diamond League then that she would go far. She has, but there might just be plenty more to series. Her personal best stands at 21.24m but that benchmark is come too in the career of Val Adams. not her driving force.

“Every time I go and compete, I’m thinking about winning. Whatever happens after that is a bonus. That’s like going out in a rugby game saying you are going to score six tries or one try. It

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 7 & 8 My mother is the biggest hero of my life Valarie Adams Twitter? She has over 14,000 followers at last count.

Two things that nobody knows about Val Adams Valerie speaks four languages: English, French, Tongan and Wallesian. She also loves collecting watches and Starbuck’s cups from around the world.

Bench press 160kg

Power clean 140kg

Favourite food “I don’t really have a favourite food, but I do like a good island feast once a year!”

Life after athletics “I want to be a mum!” though not until after the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

By Campbell Burnes Former Manu Samoa player

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 7 & 8 PIPA MEMBERS TAKE UP COACHING LEVELS

We all know the joy that comes with giving back to your communities. Over the past 5 years the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme run by NZRPA and the NZ Police has really harnassed the desire of Pacific Island Players to do some meaningful work in the islands. Below we take a look at how the programme has evolved and grown.

Earlier on in March Seremaia Bai managed to get together 33 - Isoa Domolailai, Tarbes Rugby International players to sit their coaching certificates levels 1 “Very productive and educational and I personally learnt so much. & 2 over a three day period held in Narbonne, France. After Now after that week it makes you realise its not easy being a a long investigation of how to make this happen Seremaia good coach. I now know that there is not only one way to come finally got the help from Peter Horne (High Performance up with exercise plans - imagination is key. The biggest point for Manager Asia Pacific) and Mark Harrington (General Manager me that I took from the course is the most simplest thing and that International Rugby Board) to lock in the dates and get is follow the ‘ PRINCIPAL OF THE GAME’ Vinaka” the coaching underway. Sunia Koto was behind the scenes investing a lot of time in insuring these days would be as - Jone Tawake, Bourg-en-Bresse Rugby comfortable as possible for the boys and providing the Malo lelei. Thank you to the Fijian brothers for letting me tag necessary facilities. Some of the players travelled as far as four along. The coaching course was a great experience and an eye hours and the furthest from Paris. Whilst all 33 participants opener for me especially trying to coach what I know as a player were successful in attaining their certificates Seremaia says to other people. Malo aupito “The experience was a real eye opener for most of us especially being a rugby player and thinking that coaching - Samiu Vahafolau would be easy but it’s a total different story and we have more respect for coaches now”. The total cost of the course per player was 120 euros and after receiving general feedback from the guys it seems it was worth every penny. I was very grateful to have been part of the coaching course. The coaching clinic in Narbonne was indeed a great learning experience and a very memorable one to me. I always thought for an experienced rugby player like myself, coaching would be simple and I would know it all. It has definitely broadened my mind and thinking on the art of coaching and obviously has increased my knowledge. It has also given me the confidence in wanting to be a coach and has helped me step ahead into a career in coaching after playing. - Dan Baleinadogo, AS Macon Rugby “Bula… It’s was a great experience for myself doing the coaching course and also an eye opener so we can see rugby from another perspective. As a player we have lot of knowledge for the game but putting it in words and teaching it I think is the hardest part. I would love to gain more knowledge from coaching so I can be able to pass it on to the younger generation. Vinaka God bless”. - Josefa Domolailai, Section Paloise Rugby, PAU “It gave me as a player an insight on how hard coaches work. Overall it was a good experience, I left the course feeling confident and much informed on roles of a coach”. - Api Naikatini, Brive Rugby “As a coach there is alot of work involved such as planning etc! Vinaka valevu”

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 9 I’m proud to “ I will never say that I too put my family’s play for my home welfare against country and luck again. Life my people. after rugby is

Davia Tua Awesome Nicky Little “ I will never put my family’s Nicky Little welfare against luck again. Life LIFE AFTER RUGBY after rugby is PIPA took some time out to catch up Nicky Little to hear his Find your degree, spread the work over a number of years, do thoughts about life after rugby. New Zealand born Nicky courses/levels to show employers that you’re focussed and not represented Fiji playing four RWCs and is now loving life in just a dumb rugby player. Awesome Kent, UK and married with two children. We hear first hand Have other interests. Thinking rugby 24/7 is unhealthy. I find from the Ex International about the importance of thinking peace playing the guitar. Others find it playing Xbox. A good of your career post rugby and all the things you should enjoy mate of mine brews beer!! Kids break any hope of finding peace in between. so get it while you can!! I was born in Tokoroa, 1976. Fijian Father and Maori Mother. If successful with all of the above, when retirement is at hand, My parents split when I was five years old and Mum took you’ll have all the papers, stamps and medals that any boss will me to Perth, Australia. I spent 10 years in the sun playing want PLUS you’ll have 10/12+ years of experience in: Aussie rules, cricket, and both league and union but never cracked surfing. I still call Australia one of my ‘homes’. We - working as a team came back to NZ for my secondary schooling at Te Awamutu - handling stress College. We did ok at rugby, I made the NZ Schools team to tour the UK. That got me the touring bug. I went to Waikato - focus under pressure Uni to study Maori, but uni wasn’t for me as rugby was calling! An Uncle playing for the Fiji Team got me a trial, sort - open minded, ‘wise’ through touring the world of: Ballymore 10’s in 1995. Loved it, and never let go. Played - maybe multilingual through overseas contracts a bit of NPC (Canterbury and North Harbour) and Super12 () then to RWC’99 with Fiji which set up a contract - a sense of humour! in the UK and stayed in the Northern Hemisphere till 2011 - all of the things the ‘office type’ love when it was time to call it a day. I was lucky as I wanted to stop rugby. I don’t miss it. I’m sort of proud for surviving With all this, you will ‘look forward’ to retiring and going into 71 tests and 4RWC’s but again, I don’t miss it. I had always those interviews confident and positive UNLIKE MYSELF, who in wanted to ‘teach’ rugby, so when I retired I knew exactly the end got the job, but I was just really really lucky. what I wanted to do and went straight to the RPA to get it. I will never put my family’s welfare against luck again.

They were great. I cannot thank them enough. I applied Us Island boys just need to chat more. Don’t be shy with things for four jobs, got three interviews and in the end- I GOT that concern you. Think about what you’re ‘into’, whether it be IT! Not having a degree was a bit of an obstacle, and I still mechanics, music or farming- someone out there knows their wish I had stuck with Uni for it, but LUCKILY it didn’t stop stuff and believe me they’d LOVE to help out a famous rugby my future employers seeing my hunger and passion for player like yourself. They’d LOVE it. There’s so much information developing young rugby players. Getting THAT call from my out there that there’s no excuse anymore. It’s just having the now boss is one of the most happiest days of my life. (After courage to tell YOURSELF that something needs to be done kids and marriage, of course!) I feel lucky, as this kind of job and it begins with a little push and then it’ll all start rolling on, doesn’t pop up often if at all, and there were lots of people you’ll begin to enjoy the hunt for information, making your mind much better qualified (on paper) than me, so when I’m wealthy, your vision focusing on your prize, being confident. asked what would I change if I had to do it all again, here are my tips: My wife is back primary teaching, and our kids are at preschool. Both our salaries combined now is only half of what I used Be careful with your body and mind, they will enable you to to earn in rugby, but I feel so much happier, safer with my have a long career to make money. Save some money, but permanent job now, no more contract talks, being ‘normal’ don’t be too tight. Go see the world, do the things you can stress-free. Well OK, there is a little stress but NOTHING like afford to do now, buy the fancy cars and clothes - get it out pro/test rugby. I’m proud to have come out the other side still of your system now, it will help in the end. smiling.

Make as many friends as possible, they will be with you Life after rugby is awesome! - Good luck Gentlemen forever. Look after them, they will look after you. Lailai It may take time, but inevitably you will find ‘the job’ you want and then you can plan to crush the competition for it. Written by Nicky Little

IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 10 & 11 XXXXXXXXX XXXXX

Our friends at the Players Association students a brief talk about their own journey in education and (RUPA) in Australia have recently been developing their further training, highlighting the benefits gained, not just for career and education services tailored toward Pacific themselves, but for their whole family. Island Players. We were interested to find out more about Through this relationship with PATHE, RUPA have now the programme and its benefits for Pacific Island Players appointed Moera Sakimi who is half Australian, half Rotuman playing professionally in Australia. as the cultural diversity development manager. She is involved University of Western Sydney senior lecturer Dr Jioji Ravulo in ensuring new pacific island professional players are inducted completed his doctorate in cultural research. Through his into squads appropriately, advising Professional experiences over the last 12 years he identified an on-going Development Managers (PDMs) on pacific culture and family, need to develop a greater understanding of how learning and one on one advocacy sessions with both senior and new institutes engage students from pacific island backgrounds players. in higher education and further work training. This need Moera knows only too well the challenges that are evident in was evident from the limited number of pacific students professional sport for Pasifika players through her work with that enrolled in tertiary education and the possible lack of pacific island communities and RUPA research initiatives. These motivation to do so. challenges include; players transitioning from being raised in In conjunction with the University of Western Sydney Dr a traditional Pacific Island environment into a western culture Ravulo established PATHE (Pasifika Achievement to Higher professional work environment; players living in the moment Education) programme which aims to develop aspirations and not considering life after rugby; difficulties for those players towards further education and training in Pacific Island who have to move away from family and resettle into a new communities. One of the activities PATHE facilitates is for community; and lack of awareness in how to access resources school students and current Pacific university students to and support services available to players. ‘Bring Da Family’ to university information evenings. This Long term the relationship between RUPA and PATHE hopes initiative helps to increase understanding of the university to provide a more inclusive professional environment for Pacific process for the whole family and help both school age Island contracted players and encourage Pacific players to plan students take the first step to furthering their education post and access learning pathways which lead to other professional school and on-going support for current university students career opportunities outside of rugby. With the programme to complete their course. closely aligned with the RUPA player development program the Not surprisingly, one of the top three vocations listed potential benefits for Pacific Island players in Australia will be at PATHE workshops in schools was for young Pacific immense. students to become professional football players. This From a PIPA perspective this is a great initiative and something sparked the relationship with RUPA whereby pacific island we look forward to hearing more about. Well done RUPA for professional players began attending these workshops as your commitment to Pacific Island Players playing in Australia. guest speakers. Players such as Will Skelton, Kotoni Ale and Mailetoa Hingano have contributed by sharing with the IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE PAGE 12 “I play with the best, now I study with the best” TOMMY“I play BOWE with the best, Professional rugby player, Ireland, Ulster and Lions winger, Hibernia College student

nowAua ne’i misia I studylenei avanoa le aumaua with mo sou lumana’i manuia ‘Oku mahuinga ke ‘iai ‘ete taumu’a ako ke palanisi lelei mo ‘ete akapulu theNa vuli enabest” vukea na nomu bula

TOMMY BOWE AsProfessional professional rugby player, rugby Ireland, players Ulster and it Lionsis vital winger, to plan“I for play a life after with rugby. the best, HiberniaSTUDY College ONLINE student WITH HIBERNIA COLLEGE FOR A UNIVERSITY OF LONDON QUALIFICATION IN: One of the best ways to achieve financial security post rugby is to participate in educational courses during your rugby career. PIPA advises players who are interestednow in I studying study while theywith are still playing to carefully consider the scholarshipB.Sc. in opportunities Business offered by one of the world’s leading online education providers, Hibernia College. Hibernia College, established in 2000, follows thean ambitious best” and forward-thinking strategy in order to play a leading role in education for the future. Hibernia College is an internationally accredited college offering blended TOMMY BOWE and online undergraduate and postgraduate programmesProfessional rugby player, in Ireland, teacher Ulster and education, Lions winger, health sciences, business, managementSTUDYB.Sc. ONLINE and in computing.WITH Creative HIBERNIA Computing COLLEGE FORHibernia A UNIVERSITY College student OF LONDON QUALIFICATION IN: Hibernia College is based on the concept of using web-based technology to make world-class education available to an audienceB.Sc. previously in Business excluded due to the constraints of location and time. The college’s mission is, “to make a significantB.Sc. contribution in Computing to the widening and ofInformation access and the development Systems of innovation in education”. Last year, Hibernia College offered a number of scholarshipsSTUDY ONLINE WITH to HIBERNIAprofessional COLLEGE sports FOR A UNIVERSITY players OF which LONDON allow QUALIFICATION athletes IN: the opportunityB.Sc. to in complete Creative a degree Computing or diploma while pursing their sporting career. As a result, The College has a number of Professional rugby players on its courses,B.Sc. and in will Business be extending the opportunity for PIPA members to be nominatedB.Sc. forin a Management scholarship in 2014. ProgrammesB.Sc. include in Computing and InformationB.Sc. Systems in Creative Computing • BusinessDiploma and Management in Management degrees • One-yearB.Sc. Diploma in Management in Management for Graduates B.Sc. in Computing and Information Systems • Computing degrees B.Sc. in Management To complete the first part of the application form please visit www.hiberniacollege.com and choose the programDiploma you wish in to Management pursue. Alternatively for further information please contact Ana Mapusua on [email protected] or +81 80 4667 2702Diploma in Management

Live. Learn. Live. Learn. Live. Learn. intouch_tommybowe_a4.indd 1 intouch_tommybowe_a4.indd 1 15/10/2013 11:50:0315/10/2013 11:50:03

intouch_tommybowe_a4.indd 1 15/10/2013 11:50:03 Overcoming injuries, particularly long term ones like I’ve just had is to remember that with hard work and dedication to your rehab you will get back to 100%. It can be a bit frustrating at times but once you get back out there playing again you appreciate the time you have playing the game so much more 21 QUESTIONS

PIPA had the chance to catch up with Tongan flyhalf Kurt Morath whilst recovering from knee surgery down under in New Zealand. We wish Kurt all the best and a speedy recovery. Thanks for your time Kurt.

Q. In three words, what’s your idea of a good time? Q. We hear that you’re a huge NFL fan. Which five rugby A. Beach, BBQ’s, family players do you think could make the cut in the NFL? (No kickers) Q. What’s something you’ve learnt on tour? A. Israel Folau, , Julian Savea, & A. Take ear plugs

Q. Take us through your post match styling regime (Step by step) Q. Celebrity crush? A. If I do my hair post game, I generally go see Taniela Moa or Siale A. Emmanuelle Chriqui Piutau for advice. They’ve got all the styling products I need Q. If you had only one day to live, how would you live it? Q. Which famous four would you invite to dinner? A. Spending time with my family A. Rodger Federer, Jay-Z, Denzel Washington & Michael Jordan Q. Biggest fear? Q. Who is your ultimate hero? A. Getting old A. My Dad Q. If the world could hear one message from you, what Q. What do you like to do most when back in Tonga? would it be? A. Catch up with family A. Live your life with no regrets

Q. Most memorable moment in your career Q. Who’s had the greatest influence on your life and why? A. Opening game or beating France in RWC 2011 A. My parents because they taught me everything I know

Q. Who is your favourite athlete? Q. What would you like to be doing once you’ve finished up A. Michael Jordan playing rugby? A. Stay at home Dad Q. What do you value most about your Tongan heritage? A. I love how passionate and loyal the people are about the country and anyone who represents them Kurts Dream Team

Q. If you could be a character from a book who would you be? 1: Sona Taumalolo 16: Tatafu Polota Nau A. Jack Reacher - The book is way better than the movie 2: Kevin Mealamu 17: Soane Tonga’uhia 3: Peter Fatialofa 18: Paino Hehea Q. If you were stuck on an island what would be three things you 4: Inoke Afeaki 19: Hale T Pole could have? 5: Radike Samo 20: A. IPhone, Internet & Snickers bars 6: Michael Jones 21: Kevin Senio 7: Nili Latu 22: Q. If your life were a movie, what would the title be? 8: 23: A. The 3 Musketeers 9: Kahn Fotuali’i 10: Pierre Hola Q. What is one thing you could tell us about yourself that others 11: Jonah Lomu would be shocked to know? 12: Ma’a Nonu A. I was home schooled for a few years because I was in the NZ Tennis 13: Tana Umaga Academy 14: 15: Israel Folau Q. What did you want to be growing up? A. Tennis player 16: Tatafu Polota Nau 17: Soane Tonga’uhia IN TOUCH E-MAGAZINE 18: Paino Hehea PAGE 14 & 15 19: Hale T Pole