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Local politician voices doubts over viability of Hawaii MLR start-up backed by former All Blacks

21 Jul 2020

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Major League Rugby start-up Kanaloa Hawaii were unveiled to much fanfare in recent weeks, a group of former All Blacks that includes Joe Rokocoko and Jerome Kaino heading up the club which hopes to feature in the 2021 American league season.

However, the new club’s emergence has provoked some scepticism locally in Hawaii, with State Senator Glenn Wakai claiming the revelation that the club will be operational on the islands in time for next year’s campaign is premature.

His doubts are borne from how the new club will need to agree on a number of partnerships in order for them to play locally.

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Speaking in an interview on the hawaiinewsnow.com website, Wakai said: “They had mentioned in their announcement four relationships: one with the Hawaii Tourism Authority who have never heard of them; the Stadium Authority, never talked to them; the University of Hawaii which denied them their practice facilities; and for Hawaiian Airlines they said they had a sponsorship agreement. Hawaiian Airlines has no sponsorship agreement with these folks.

“They have got less than a year to put this together. The fact that they haven’t actually contacted the Stadium Authority is very concerning to me,” added Wakai.

New Zealand group wants to bring a pro rugby team to Hawaii https://t.co/PiHPbBbWTr #HNN
— Hawaii News Now (@HawaiiNewsNow) July 21, 2020

Ex-New Zealand team players Anthony Tuitavake, Ben Atiga, Kaino, Rokocoko and John Afoa all clubbed together with friends and business associates Matt Atiga, Tracy Atiga and Cam Kilgourn with the aim of setting up the first Maori and Polynesian owned and operated professional rugby club in the world.

The new set-up is also targeting a spot in the revamped Super Rugby tournament.

In a launch letter, club CEO Tracy Atiga wrote: “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.”

How incredible would it be to have #SuperRugby (or whatever form it takes in 2021) hit the shores of Hawaii? ? #SuperRugbyAotearoa #MajorLeagueRugby https://t.co/yzzxCQd4cY
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 11, 2020

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Mzilikazi 14 minutes ago

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

Might work very well, Nick. Les Kiss as DoR and Stuart Lancaster as chief coach. Two very good rugby men working in tandem. Certainly worked out well at Leinster for Stuart. In some ways a similar situation exists for him now, as did when he moved to Dublin. Rejected by England then, this time rejected by Racing.

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fl 23 minutes ago

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

He’ll be well into his 60s by then. Given the drop off so many top coaches seem to experience as they get older (e.g. Jones, Gatland) Kiss could be a riskier appointment than you’d think!

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Mitch 32 minutes ago

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Tom 1 hour ago

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You can't help but feel there may be a slight conflict of interest with this article!

My hunch is that Lancaster may work best with another man as the DoR so would be keen to see how this goes. Potentially culminating with the redemption arc victory for England under Lanny and Faz at the 2031 RWC?!

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Tom 1 hour ago

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NB 1 hour ago

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

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NB 1 hour ago

Why Les Kiss and Stuart Lancaster can lead Australia to glory

An don the inside of the WB coaching group they use the Boks as a model for that!