New 'mana enhancing' inclusive rugby team debuts in Auckland

A new inclusive rugby team based in Auckland is welcoming all players of different backgrounds, ages and sexual orientation, especially Pasifika Rainbow and Takatāpui individuals.

Te Papapa Wolves made their debut last month.

It is the second inclusive rugby team established in New Zealand, taking their place alongside the New Zealand Falcons which was established in 2013.

Photo: Susana Suisuiki

Speaking to Pacific Waves, Te Papapa Wolves co-founder Jay Fa'ata Vaeluaga said the idea of the team was inspired by past rugby players who wanted a Pacific kaupapa inclusive rugby team in New Zealand.

Approaching Auckland Rugby with the idea, Vaeluaga said he was then referred to the Te Papapa rugby club leadership and from there he was able to convince the board to create a team.

Vaeluaga said Te Papapa Wolves is a team rooted in Pacific values.

Having played for mainstream rugby teams in the past, Vaeluaga said his experiences were mostly positive, but because rugby is traditionally a "very masculine, very structured, very patriarchal" sport, he was not able to be his authentic self.

"As queer people, you know, we find we have to adapt and we have to find different versions of ourselves to suit the environment," he said.

"Even though, I enjoyed playing in those mainstream teams, I still feel like I can never be fully myself and I think what this team is all about. It's welcoming everybody to be their authentic self and just be who you are and just enjoy playing rugby."

Jay Fa'ata Vaeluaga spoke with RNZ Pacific Waves presenter Susana Suisuiki about Te Papapa Wolves, Auckland's newest inclusive rugby team embracing players of all backgrounds, ages and orientation especially Pasifika Rainbow and Takatāpui communities.

Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Being part of Te Papapa Wolves

Being part of Te Papapa Wolves has been a "mana-enhancing" experience for Vaeluaga who said he now looks forward to training and seeing the supporters at the club.

He said the team is more than a safe space for rainbow communities, it has brought out meaningful connections and relationships.

"The oldest person in our team is about in their late 50s and the youngest is 16," Vaeluaga said.

"We've got a dad and son playing rugby for the first time together, we had parents who used to wait in the car and on the sideline where they come to drop off their kids in our junior teams. Now they see us training on the other field and they jump in."

Te Papapa Wolves rugby team in action against Suburbs in Onehunga.

It's ok to be who you are

In related news, former NRL player Kane Evans who represented Fiji at the 2013 and 2017 Rugby League World Cup, came out as gay in an emotional interview this week.

The 34-year-old who had previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors revealed his sexuality was a secret he carried for decades and that he tried to "escape who I am".

Evans spoke candidly about his battle with substance abuse and sleeping rough. He said people would try to blackmail him during his NRL career when they found out he was gay.

Since coming out to his family and the public, Evans said he's proud of himself. Sydney Roosters legend Anthony Minichiello commended Evans for his honesty and said his revelation "may have just saved many lives".

For other young athletes who are struggling with coming out, Vaeluaga said, "it's ok".

"Take your time, that's your choice," he said.

"When you're ready, that's your truth to tell and to share with your loved one, with your community, with your people, with your chosen family."

"You don't have to choose between who you are and playing the sport that you love, you can be both."