Luyten said many of Pasifika players and governance experts were born from the country's rugby community. Photo: www.photosport.nz
"A monumental day for Pasifika in Rugby."
That is the view of the New Zealand Rugby Pasifika Advisory Group (Tausoa Fa'atasi) following the outcome of the NZR special general meeting (SGM) in Wellington last Thursday.
There were two proposals on the restucture of the NZR Board and its governance on the table.
Proposal One was backed by NZ Rugby, NZ Rugby Players' Association and Super Rugby franchise that aligned with the Pilkington Report for nine fully independently appointed board members was rejected by 31 votes to 59.
Proposal Two - from the Provincial Unions - passed by 69 votes to 21. It means a Pasifika representation will be on the NZR Board along with one Maori and three directors who have had experience on provincial union boards.
Co-chair Pauline Luyten said it was a massive victory to get Pasifika representation on the NZR Board.
"The adoption of Proposal Two explicitly secures a Pasifika voice at the NZR decision-making table," she said.
"This is not status quo, this is modernisation of the Board, and will positively impact the future of Pasifika players, families, and communities. We did not see Pasifika strongly enough in Proposal One."
Luyten said many of Pasifika players and governance experts were born from the country's rugby community.
"So it is only right that community remains at the heart of the game," she said.
"When you start in New Zealand rugby, you put on the club jersey, or you volunteer."
Luyten emphasised the importance of everyone fully accepting and supporting the outcome of the special general meeting.
"We need to all move forward together to ensure the future success and sustainability of rugby in Aotearoa."
Her fellow co-chair Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich acknowledged the strong support and collaboration of the Provincial Unions who worked with them.
"We supported Proposal Two, because it is an independent model of governance that provides genuine and meaningful pathways for Pasifika from grassroots to the NZR Board and recognises the significant contribution of Pasifika to the game," he said.
"We have been fighting for this for a long time, and we would like to acknowledge the pioneering contributions of former NZR President Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams and former NZR Board Member La'auli Sir Michael Jones, who continue to elevate Pasifika aspirations in rugby.
"We would also like to thank the Pacific community and its supporters, who provided useful strategic help and prayerful support during the past few months."
The Pasifika Rugby Advisory Group said the next steps are critical to ensure that what was agreed at the SGM were actioned.
Blues captain and New Zealand Rugby Players Assocation spokesman Patrick Tuipulotu (right) and the Blues 2024 Players' Player of the Year Hoskins Sotutu, are two of the top Pasifika players playing in New Zealand, with both also having played for the All Blacks. Photo: Blues Media Photo: Blues Media
Time to work together, Tuipulotu says
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Rugby Players Association did not support Proposal Two and had baked Proposal One, which basically called for an independent board that was to be selected independently as well.
But player spokesman and Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said although he was disappointed that the association backed proposal was not approved, everyone needs to work together now for the sake of the game.
He said players should not be bigger than the community of rugby.
"I am disappointed, but I think for the future of rugby, we need to work together now," he said.
"We need to be open and there's going to be some pretty hard conversations now but those conversations need to be heard.
"There is a general concern but I think there is also making of a side show, when we really need to making strives.
"For a lot of us, [playing] rugby is not foever but the general game of rugby and the community is forever. We want that to outlast what we do as players."