Pasifika Rugby get a seat at the table with NZ Rugby

“Pacific players, both men and women, make up a huge part of rugby in Aotearoa, from Provincial Unions to Super Rugby and our Teams in Black. That’s why it’s so important for the Pasifika Rugby Council to have a voice at the decision-making table,” says Eroni Clarke, a member of the Pasifika Rugby Council.

His comments come as Pasifika rugby officially gains a formal say in how the game is governed in Aotearoa, after New Zealand Rugby voting members approved the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council as an Affiliated Body of NZR.

The decision was confirmed through a postal ballot that closed on December 10, with the country’s 26 Provincial Unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board backing the proposal by the required two thirds majority.

The vote means the Pasifika Rugby Council will hold two votes under the NZR constitution and represent Pasifika rugby interests at all levels of the game. It also places Pasifika representation alongside Provincial Unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board within NZR’s governance structure.

NZR Chair David Kirk said the decision recognises the contribution Pasifika people make to rugby in New Zealand.

“On behalf of the Board, I’d like to welcome the Pasifika Rugby Council as an Affiliated Body of NZR and look forward to continuing the work started with the Tausoa Fa'atasi two years ago to achieve positive outcomes across the game.”

The Council will now have voting rights at NZR General Meetings, including decisions on financial statements, board appointments, and the election of officers.

Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union CEO Corey Kennett said Provincial Unions were proud to support the move.

“We are extremely honoured to support the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council motion as a reflection of deep respect for the vital contribution Pasifika communities make to rugby at all levels in New Zealand. The Pasifika Rugby Council’s inclusion aligns with a broader commitment to inclusivity, equity, and honouring the diverse voices that shape the future of rugby in New Zealand.”

The Pasifika Rugby Council will replace Tausoa Fa'atasi, the Pasifika Advisory Group, in NZR’s board appointment process and will be represented on the NZR Stakeholder Panel.

The same ballot also approved changes to NZR’s constitution. Until now, there was no clear process for giving voting membership to an organisation that was not a Provincial Union. That process has now been added, clearing the way for the Pasifika Rugby Council’s inclusion.

An updated NZR constitution will be made available publicly.