Big name rugby stars backing Tongan girls, boys teams in Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup

Not many teens get to boast they are learning from some of the biggest names in their game. But that won’t be a problem for Tongan young guns at the Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup.

Sam Wykes playing for Western Force is now coaching the under 17s team at the event.

When former Super Rugby gun Sam Wykes pulled out his phone and made a few calls to old mates it didn’t take him long to assemble sone of the best coaching line-ups of any team set to play at the upcoming Pacifica Youth Cup Rugby championships.

Or find the women capable of organising them all.

Wykes said there is enormous goodwill and enthusiasm for the new event, the brainchild of Jason Lemusu, which will be played at Federation Forest on November 25 and 26 at Mt Druitt by girls Sevens and boys 15s players.

Wykes, who now lives in Bankstown but played his junior rugby with the Blacktown Scorpions, also believes the event is an important addition to the sporting calendar to show young footballers playing both rugby league and union in Sydney’s west that there is a pathway for them in rugby.

ABSOLUTE MENACE:Girls to watch at Pacifica Youth Cup

Sam Wykes playing for Western Force in his heyday.

“People were all happy to give back to the community,’’ he said of the coaching and support team he has assembled which includes former international Rugby Sevens and XV players and Super Rugby guns.

“I just made a few phone calls to see who was interested and everyone was willing to put their hand up and give back.

“It wasn’t just the men though. We have a lot of Tongan women in our game who want to give back and if it wasn’t for them all the boys would be chasing their tails.’’

Players training for the event. Pic: Facebook

Wykes said he has already witnessed great commitment to the cause from players selected to play for the Tongan team in the U14, U15 and U17 boys completions and the girls U14 and U16 sevens division at the tournament.

“We have boys coming from Newcastle and Wollongong for training each week at Concord Ovals and being bought down and up by their families as well,’’ he said.

“They (the Tongan teams) want to win this, they want to do well.

“But we want to teach our kids we are here to compete and to compete with respect.

“We want to make sure the message is clear about competing with respect and that we represent our heritage with pride and honour.’’

Wykes said another goal is show footballers that a pathway to rugby exists in western Sydney.

“Most of the kids play both rugby league and union but with league so dominate in the west that's where our Tongan boys often go.

“So part of the reason for us doing this is to try and capture them and help them stay rugby.

“We want to get more girls and boys playing rugby.’’

TONGA’S PACIFICA YOUTH CUP COACHING AND SUPPORT DREAM TEAM

#The 16s girls are being coached by Sateki Tuioulotu. Sateki made 50 appearances for is country between 1994-2003, including three Rugby World Cups He is also with the Tongan National team (Ikale Tahi) as Head Coach of 7s and the XV’s Assistant Coach.

#The 14s girls are being coached by Peni Tuipulotu, Sydney University women’s 7s head coach.

The 14s boys are being coached by John Sinisa, Drummoyne 1st grade head coach and an Australian 7s, Tonga rugby league and Tonga A representative.

Campese Ma’afu, who had a 10-year professional career in France and England, 50 caps for Fiji and whose brothers have played for Tonga and the Wallabies.

Brothers Campese (L) and Salesi Ma'afu after they faced off in the Australia v Fiji international match.

Asea Namoa, Drummoyne 1st grade Assist coach who represented Tonga A, North Otago Provincial and Otago Colts,

15s boys have Josh Bray, the West Harbour 1st colts coach and under 15s Gen Blue Tahs forward’s coach, Visi Vaohea from West Harbour, Tonga Tangitau from Southern Districts and James Faiva, a Tongan International rugby player 2022 PNC Cup

The 17s coaches are Damien Fakafanoa, who represented Northland and was a Tongan international and first grade players for West Harbour and the Two Blues and Super Rugby centurion Sam Wykes.

The brains trust includes Kona Ata, Lisa Manu, Aimee Tuipuplotu and Hema Fifita.

Originally published as Big name rugby stars backing Tongan girls, boys teams in Pacifica Youth Rugby Cup