An unexpected alliance, but above all a winning one! Short of players, the Manuura and Pirae clubs decided to pool their resources to compete in the Polynesian rugby sevens championship. Undefeated throughout the competition, the players from both squads clinched the Polynesian champions title together.
“We didn’t expect to get this far. We started off poorly, being short-handed. Fortunately, we were able to complete the team with the guys. Like any competition, winning the title is nothing but happiness,” smiles Heiarii Tetuanui, the captain of Manuura/Pirae.
The trophy was presented by Jordan Roux, vice-president of the French Rugby Federation, specially present in the territory. A visit that fits into a desire to strengthen the ties between the national federation and Polynesian rugby.
“The idea is simple: to improve cooperation between our two territories, our two structures. Work on training coaches and educators, support the federation’s structuring, and above all support the development of rugby on the territory,” he says.
“The season is still long before the Pacific Games, so I can only wish good luck to all the clubs and players who make up Polynesian rugby,” he adds.
This preparation also involves new skills. Well known on the athletics tracks, Kizito Choleau is now taking his first steps in rugby sevens, under the colours of Punaruu. A track coach, he intends to put his speed experience at the service of Polynesian rugby players.
“In seven-a-side rugby, the goal I discussed with the coaching team for the national squad as part of the Pacific Games preparation is to come and bring my expertise on running technique to enable our rugby players to be a little more effective on the field, and above all faster,” he explains.
Between new alliances and the sharing of skills, Polynesian rugby sevens continues to build itself. With, in sight, a major rendezvous: the Pacific Games.
