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5 ex-All Blacks behind the new Hawaiian MLR franchise

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

After Major League Rugby officials revealed the success of an expansion bid from Kanaloa Hawaii to join the league for the 2021 season, it has since emerged that the latest newcomers to the American ruby scene are back-up by a plethora of former All Blacks. 

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According to a story on djcoilrugby.com, ex-New Zealand team players Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Atiga, Jerome Kaino, Joe Rokocoko and John Afoa have all clubbed together with friends and business associates Matt Atiga, Tracy Atiga and Cam Kilgour to found the first Maori and Polynesian owned and operated professional rugby club in the world. 

Known as the Mercury Group, the new club’s ownership team – who are based in Europe, New Zealand and the UK – are said to have given back to the wider Maori and Polynesian community through free community rugby clinics and voluntary service to the development of club, provincial and international rugby.

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    This includes coaching clinics delivered in Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Tahiti. Now they are taking that commitment to another level by the setting-up of a professional rugby franchise in Hawaii, an area of America not traditionally associated with professional sports. 

    A letter written by club CEO Tracy Atiga stated: “By taking on the responsibility of a club, the owners can provide direct solutions to challenges that Maori and Pasifika players face in the rugby industry. 

    “The owners have pledged to lead through a Polynesian village ethos based on servant leadership principles that are guided by the organisation’s values of faith and family. The ownership team is excited to have secured a spot in the MLR and have already set their sights on making a bid to participate in the Oceania based Super Rugby competition and other global competitions moving forward.

    “Kanaloa Hawaii Rugby wishes to acknowledge and express sincere gratitude to the MLR, Hawaii Rugby Union, and various local organisations that have offered support and partnership opportunities to get the venture off the ground.”

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    Having had their initial application accepted by MLR HQ in Dallas, Kanaloa Hawaii now have 90 days to finalise terms and meet the necessary benchmarks before their membership is formally ratified ahead of the 2021 season. 

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    Yeah, that’s what I took you as meaning. I also took that to mean “a 10” that you can win a would cup with. And no, that’s not a Beaver level player I’m picturing.


    I think NZ could have many Beaver level players that could go to a world cup, not in a play style perspective I mean, just as in players that only command a couple of facets in their expertise and experience. Robinson and Millar could both control a game with their boot like Merths. Jacomb, Harkin, and Godfrey can present the ball at the line like Cruden. Kemara might be a bit more of a vision player like Richie and learning from /playing with Havili. With even a couple of u21/u20 youngsters that could charge infront of those names in SR.


    But I’m saying despite that diversity actually showing great 10 development in the country, I can’t see those players developing enough skill sets in time to outshine Pero’s dependability and composure (only going on his AB performances here though) or the experience and knowledge that Barrett would bring to a group (or as you say someone with the experience of Richie). So the WC 10’s will be those three players.


    Fully agree re consistency, this is why I see Dmac being a good option by the time 2027 comes around. Last year was his first at playing 10 in test matches, and his second year over all (well he had one SR season 6/7 years ago too). If he can just get to grips with how to bailout (pass to the 12 and don’t carry it/take it into contact yourself!) safely when plays disrupted and develop a bit more trickery/deception with his option taking, he’ll surpass Mo’unga in general, and even some of Carters play. I’m not sure Barrett was ever the type to mold his style whether he had stayed at full back, 10 or even on the wing. He just players like he did in the back yard and that’s it, it either (you either make it..) works or it doesn’t. It was completely apparent that he was never going to be as great a 10 as he was random backline player (he can’t pass far or kick accurately), so I think it’s perfectly fine to have used him wherever the team needs him. I’d agree though, that sort of flexibility indeed a) causes flexibility to be needed in team mates as well, and b) sets a bad example. Let’s hope it doesn’t get repeated on Pero and Dmac!

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