Moana Pasifika players have been thrown a financial lifeline after New Zealand Rugby stepped in to cover the struggling franchise's immediate costs following its move into liquidation.
The national body confirmed to RNZ it will cover player salaries until the end of July.
The Super Rugby Pacific team was placed into liquidation on Monday, with this weekend's season-ending game against the Brumbies in Canberra set to be their last.
The support provides some short-term certainty for players and staff as efforts continue behind the scenes to secure the franchise's long-term future.
Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said among all the questions and uncertainty, having their salaries paid for the next two months was a significant relief.
"Getting that news, it was met with a bit of applause. We're very thankful to New Zealand Rugby for stepping in at this time. Having that certainty now, and being able to put some food on the table for the next couple of weeks.
"We'll take what we can at this stage. It's better than nothing and it is the reality of the situation we're in."
A slew of rumours have been floating around regarding rescue efforts, including the Kanaloa Consortium reported to be headed by former All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko.
"I haven't spoken to them, but if it eventuates, you've got two legends of the game that have a deep understanding around Pacific and what they want to do."
Both Kanaloa Consortium and the Pacific Rugby Players association said on Tuesday the tender process is still ongoing and they hoped discussions would be finalised soon.
Despite weeks of emotional turmoil, Umaga said the squad still lives in hope that the franchise will be rescued.
"You've got to have some confidence. There's hope and when there's hope, there's a way. There's some good people hopefully putting things together to see what the future holds. We have to have hope. Otherwise, you'll be living in the rain for most of your life and clouds will be grey."
But is living in hope hurting the players?
"I don't think it will damage them at all. For those that can't find something, then there is a little bit of hope. It could possibly give them another option that they might not have. It's not going to be the same for everybody. It's the way you look at this, instead of thinking "why me?" maybe just asking 'what have I learned from this?' and being grateful for the opportunity that we had. Then 'how can I build from this if this is something that I want to get into? Maybe I've got to keep working hard at it and then things will happen?'"
The side has endured a miserable season on the field as well, winless since the opening round and anchored to the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
"There is disappointment. I think we've gone past that stage now. We're just looking forward to playing well in our last game."
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
