Former All Blacks centre Aaron Mauger was appointed head coach of Super Rugby newcomers Moana Pasifika on Thursday as the team prepare for their debut season next year.
Mauger, who played 45 Tests for New Zealand, has previously coached the Otago Highlanders in Super Rugby and Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
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The 40-year-old said he was excited at the prospect of working with Auckland-based Moana Pasifika, which has been set up to give a professional pathway for players from island nations such as Samoa and Tonga.
“This is a very special time for Pasifika people and Pasifika rugby," said Mauger in a statement.
"I loved my experience with the team that played against the Maori All Blacks last year, so to be appointed Head Coach is a real privilege for me both as a rugby coach and as a Pasifika man.
“I have always been grounded by my heritage, but in recent years I have really delved deep into my lineage and I am really enjoying the journey of discovery.
“It’s an honour to work alongside the likes of Sir Bryan Williams and Sir Michael Jones to bring the Moana vision to life. These men are absolute legends who have carved the path for all Pasifika sportsmen and women over the last 50 years.
“It’s also very special to me to be representing my own Pasifika heritage and families. I know they will all be proud as they reflect on the amazing legacy left by my late Nana Timeteri Roomataaroa Bachop and the way of being that she inspired in all of us.
"This is an opportunity to be part of something very special, and my goal is to give players the platform they have been crying out for, to play our style of rugby, and to demonstrate that their heritage can be celebrated openly, and that their skills and talent is sought after.
"We have been working hard already on building our team, and I am excited about the prospect of announcing our coaching team and first Super Rugby squad, very soon.”
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Moana Pasifika Trust chair Savae and All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones praised the appointment of Mauger, who recently coached the Highlanders in 2018-2020
“Aaron has had an outstanding playing career and coached at Super Rugby level. He knows the grit and guts it takes to succeed which is just what we need to hit the ground running come competition time," he added.
“We know all eyes will be on us and how we perform as a team. We are in good hands and we’re excited for the journey ahead.”
The revamped Super Rugby competition next year includes the Pasifika team, fellow rookies Fijian Drua, as well as five sides apiece from Australia and New Zealand.
