The morning sun is shining at Moana Pasifika’s North Harbour Stadium training base as assistant coach Stephen Jones, the 104-cap Wales international, emerges for our interview and it becomes quickly apparent that his place at a franchise formed to celebrate and foster South Pacific culture may not be as incongruous as it could initially seem.
Jones, 46, now living in Auckland with his wife and three children and on the brink of his first of two seasons with Moana Pasifika, gets a quick reminder on a te reo greeting from a team assistant on the way to our meeting place.
He tells her he needs to put in a little more work. For Jones, whose first language is Welsh and whose children attended a Welsh language school in Cardiff, the connection with one’s own language and culture is imperative.
“Maybe 25 per cent of our population’s first language is Welsh, so I’m fully aware of the importance of the national language and the ability to speak it and be proud of it,” he tells 1News. “Keeping the language strong is important and healthy.
“I love the cultural aspect [of Moana Pasifika]. I love their attitude to faith and family and how proud they are of their culture. It’s something very special.”
Jones, who arrived in Auckland in October and whose connections have already helped him and his family find Welsh speakers in the city, added of his te reo ability: “I’ve only got a couple of words at the moment and I need to improve that.”
Jones will also be absorbing the Samoan and Tongan languages spoken by Moana players as he gets to grips with turning around a struggling franchise alongside fellow new coaches Tana Umaga (head coach) and Tom Coventry (forwards).
The team’s presence at North Harbour Stadium reflects their difficult start. Initially based at Mt Smart Stadium, they have moved their base over the bridge due to the better facilities on the Shore and they are currently scheduled to play only one game in Penrose, a location that was thought to be in near ideal proximity to their largely South Auckland fanbase.
Alas, for them, the crowds have not flocked to the home of the Warriors.
Moana Pasifika will play at least one match at North Harbour, with others on the road. In March, they will play their home match against the Blues at Eden Park and in April will play the Reds in Whangārei
After winning two of 14 games in their inaugural season, they won only one last year but not surprisingly Jones is full of optimism after three months with the team and only days away from their first pre-season match against the Highlanders in Queenstown on Saturday.
“I’m 100 per cent confident we have the players,” he says. “I love what I’m seeing. I love how hard they’re working to improve and their ability to take on new ideas.”
Asked what players had impressed him, he answers: “I won’t name individuals because I don’t think it’s fair to put pressure on them but what I would say it’s a great group and I couldn’t ask more from them regarding their work ethic. They’re willing to absorb ideas to discuss and challenge and evolve – it’s all you can ask for.”
It’s a new group with a new captain – former Blues front rower James Lay – but there is little doubt Moana will miss the midfield power of Levi Aumua, who has left for the Crusaders.
Aumua’s departure – effectively to chase an All Black jersey – will have dealt an existential blow to a franchise formed to provide a pathway to the Tonga and Samoa national teams.
But, in keeping with the traditional positivity surrounding all Super Rugby squads in the warm days of pre-season - the cruel reality of defeat still weeks away - there isn’t a hint of doubt in Jones regarding the team’s prospects.
He was similarly positive when the opportunity came up last year about a move from Cardiff and his role assisting the national side.
“I had a conversation with Tana and didn’t have to think about too long,” he says. “It was the opportunity to work with great people for a great team. To work in Super Rugby was something that excited me – to learn, get better. It was a no-brainer.”
He added of working with Moana: “I love the playing group their open-mindedness and willingness to learn and grow and work hard. That’s what it’s about.”
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