Latest news with #TanaUmaga
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
With a finals place on the line, Moana players are urged to channel the hurt after their mauling by the Chiefs
After 15 rounds of Super Rugby action, it all comes down to the last home and way game of the season for Moana Pasifika against the Hurricanes at the Cake Tin in Wellington. It's win or bust, do or die, for head coach Tana Umaga and his team, if they are to make finals for the first time in the short history of the franchise. And it was all going so well for Moana, with three wins in a row, but then carnage when they were torn apart by the Chiefs a week ago. So coach Tana's task, together with his inspirational captain Ardie Savea, has been to re-energise the team ahead of their biggest game yet. And to do that he says his players have to feel the pain of what was a humiliating defeat in Hamilton, and seek redemption against the Hurricanes.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Pasifika icons on Run It: 'We understand, just be safe'
Run It has taken social media by storm with tens of millions of views. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport A pair of Pasifika icons say they understand why their people take part in the 'Run It Straight' collision craze, but are urging participants to keep themselves safe. The viral trend has swept the nation in recent weeks, with sanctioned events for $20,000 prizes , copycat leagues forced to cancel events , and the tragic death of a teenager taking part in a similar game . While many have condemned those people participating , former All Black captain and Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga empathises with them. "I see they are predominantly our people, Māori or Pacific Islanders that are doing it, just trying to get ahead in life. I see, like we are here, trying to give opportunities for our people." Umaga does not endorse the game, but is pleading with his people to stay safe should they play. "My situation's different to theirs, so I don't judge in terms of why they do it. I can see why they're doing it, because it could give them a bit of a stepping stone into making a better life for them and their family, but it is just making sure that they keep themselves safe." All Black flanker Ardie Savea expressed his deep sadness for the teen who lost his life. Ryan Satterthwaite, 19, died after suffering a catastrophic head injury while playing a version of the game on Monday evening. "First and foremost is condolences to the young brother that sadly passed away and his family." Like Umaga, Savea said it was a complex situation. "It's a tough one, you can see the other side and understand why they're doing it." The Moana skipper said similar games were a big part of his childhood. "It's hard, because it kind of made me the rugby player I am. I used to do 'run it straights' in the backyard with 'bus' (older brother Julian Savea), so you kind of see both sides." However, he said people needed to be smart around precautions. "Obviously we don't want anyone getting hurt and obviously losing life. So I just encourage everyone to be safe, and condolences to the brother and his family." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Moana seek redemption after Hamilton humiliation
Ardie Savea of Moana Pasifika against the Chiefs at FMG Stadium on Saturday 24 May 2025. Photo: Jeremy Ward The pain from the players was palpable as Moana Pasifika made the trip home back over the Bombays. They had just been dealt a stark reality check form the Chiefs, in the form of an 85-7 annihilation. "It was a quiet bus ride home," admits Moana first five Jackson Garden-Bachop. However, despite the Hamilton humiliation, Moana's fairytale season is still alive. Not only is redemption on the minds of Moana, but history. "It definitely stung... but you have to move forward pretty quickly, try and flush it and then get onto the 'Canes." While the calculators may be required to determine the top six for 2025, the easiest equation for Moana is to simply win in Wellington. "We want to redeem ourselves and perform the way that we know that we can. If we do that, we'll give ourselves every chance to win, if this is our last game, we want to leave it all out there." The former Hurricane is expecting an emotional homecoming, as well as a passionate response form his team-mates. "The thing we talked about is that the weekend was that it was an anomaly for us. We didn't become a bad rugby team overnight. We still have belief in what we have been doing because it has worked for us." Garden-Bachop said coach Tana Umaga has encouraged his players not to bury the pain of the defeat. "The main message going from up top was just feel the hurt. We need to, it's not good enough to perform like that, but also just back our game back what we've been working on all year and just make the most of this this week. If we don't perform it, it'll be our last one." Stuck in a fierce battle for the number ten jersey with Patrick Pellegrini, Garden-Bachop said the competition has been positive for his game. "I'm enjoying it. Pat's had a hell of a year. He's been one of the form tens of the comp, so I've just been sort of in his back here giving him a little bit of knowledge everywhere I can. But he's doing some stuff that not everyone can do." Garden-Bachop said missing out on the top six would somewhat take the gloss of their stellar season. "I think we'd be disappointed, but it would just be down to us. We've got the opportunity and control to take the playoff spot and if we don't get it, it'll just be on us, we're doing everything we can."
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Tana Umaga to coach against British and Irish Lions in Australia
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga , 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Moana Pasifika mentor Tana Umaga will coach against the British and Irish Lions in Australia in July. Umaga will be one of Toutai Kefu's assistants for the historic First Nations & Pasifika Invitational XV match against the Lions in Melbourne on 22 July. Former Wallaby forward and Tonga coach Kefu was confirmed as Head Coach last week. His coaching staff will include leaders representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and First Nations communities. The son of Samoan parents, Umaga represented the All Blacks in 74 Tests before embarking on a successful 16-year career as coach across teams in France, New Zealand and the Pacific. Wallabies stalwart and Shimizu Blue Sharks coach Sekope Kepu will also serve as an Assistant Coach. Kepu was born in Sydney to Tongan parents and went on to represent the Wallabies in 110 Tests between 2008 and 2019 in addition to provincial stints in France, the UK, New Zealand and Australia. Former Fiji Test forward and coach Simon Raiwalui is also included along with Wallaby No. 621 Glen Ella, a Yuin and Bidjigal man representing the First Nations community. Ella, one of three brothers to have represented the Wallabies, has previously held down mentor roles with Australia and Canada. Les Kiss was named as the AUNZ Invitational XV head coach and will be assisted by former All Blacks boss Ian Foster. Kiss, the Queensland Reds coach, will take over the Wallabies coaching role from Joe Schmidt in 2026. British and Irish Lions 2025 Tour of Australia 28 June - Western Force v British & Irish Lions, Optus Stadium, Perth 2 July -Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 5 July - New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions, Allianz Stadium, Sydney 9 July - ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions, GIO Stadium, Canberra 12 July - AUNZ Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide 19 July Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 22 July - First Nations & Pasifika XV v British & Irish Lions, Marvel Stadium, Melbourne 26 July - Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne 2 August - Wallabies v British & Irish Lions, Accor Stadium, Sydney
Washington Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- Washington Post
Umaga joins Kefu on coaching team for the First Nations and Pasifika team to take on the Lions
BRISBANE, Australia — The First Nations and Pasifika squad to take on the British and Irish Lions in July will have an experienced coaching staff representative of the region, led by former Wallabies forward and Tonga coach Toutai Kefu and including ex-All Blacks captain Tana Umaga. Kefu was appointed last week as head coach and Rugby Australia confirmed the rest of the coaching team on Monday, including Umaga, former Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu, former Wallabies fullback Glen Ella and former Fiji test forward and coach Simon Raiwalui.
