Coco Talanoa — Sports / Page 19

Learn more about one of the most incredible success stories in NFL history: Australian Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata's journey to the NFL via rugby and the International Player Pathway Program.

Click through on the link above to watch on Youtube 

Memphis Grizzlies newest member Steven Adams joins Chris Vernon during Memphis Grizzlies Media Day to talk about the Pelicans trade for Jonas Valanciunas, address the beef with Zach Randolph in Game 6 of the 2014 Western Conference Playoffs, playing rugby in New Zealand, Aquaman comparisons, the change in the big man center role over the years spanning to his time in OKC, and more!

Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata has the mic for this week's edition of Audible.

UPDATE:  Toa Samoa, Kiwis & NRL legend Frank Pritchard has returned home after being in a coma after reportedly being on life support on New Years Eve due to complications from Covid-19.

Prtichard posted on social media saying he was now recovering at home.

Channel Nine had reported Pritchard on life support with a collapsed lung among other health issues due to the virus and The Daily Telegraph had also reported Pritchard had been in the ICU at Liverpool Hospital and has had an ongoing problem with asthma issues.

General Manager of Football for the Canterbury Bulldogs, Phil "Gus" Gould confirmed the news tweeting his well wishes to Frank last night.

Canterbury Bulldogs fan page Bulldogs 4 Life also sent out a prayer request with details of a prayer meeting taking place this evening at 8pm Sydney time over zoom with his family.…more

All-Access look into Penei Sewell's Draft Day experience as he shares his inspiring story from growing up in American Samoa to becoming the 7th overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft.

See exclusive footage the moment he receives the call that changes his family's life forever and witness the emotional moment he tells Detroit Lions coaches ... "You Won't Regret It!"

"Growing up there was always that stigma that we didn't really talk about our feelings, we weren't as open and ...…more

Actor Will Smith tries training with Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (Samoan) and his Strength and Conditioning coach Dave Puloka (Tongan).

They start out with a bit of cermonial kava, before getting into some exercises and field work.

via Radio New Zealand 

Black Ferns hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate says she had a breakdown on tour and disparaging comments from coaching staff led to anxiety and hyperventilation.

Northland player Ngata-Aerengamate posted on social media that she had a "mental breakdown" on the team's end of year tour to England and France.

The Black Ferns lost all four games on tour.

Ngata-Aerengamate, of Cook Island Māori and Ngāti Porou, said she struggled to decide whether to speak up or not.

She posted on instagram below:

New Zealand Rugby's head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum said the allegations are concerning and they are taking the matter seriously.

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Women in Sport Aotearoa chief executive Rachel Froggatt says Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate is not alone in experiencing bullying and mental health issues on her team.

Froggatt spoke to Susie Ferguson on Radio New Zealand - click here to listen to the interview 

Women in Rugby Aotearoa also released this statement below in support of Te Kura and anyone else who may have experienced the same issues.…more

The highly-anticipated Barbarians versus Samoa match at Twickenham was cancelled shortly before kick-off after several members of the Barbarians tested positive for COVID-19.

It was a gut wrenching end for the Samoan players in particular who formed a playing squad without coaches and players from the Southern hemisphere due to Covid restrictions.  The game was to be the only autumn match and for some their last international match.

Watch the boys perform the national anthem and siva tau & the BBC interviews an emotional Joe Tekori after what would have been his retirement match.

via Moana Pasifika Rugby 

Moana Pasifika and apparel partner Dynasty have unveiled a stunning and special first Super Rugby jersey.
 
When the team takes to the field to open the 2022 season of Super Rugby Pacific on Friday 18 February at Mt Smart stadium, they will be competing in a uniquely designed home jersey that proudly represents the combined cultures and traditions of the Pacific Islands.

Fans who had signed up for Moana Pasifika memberships, and sponsors and stakeholders, were able to get a first look at Moana Pasifika’s home jersey at the official reveal event (Sunday evening 21 November) with Head Coach Aaron Mauger and Moana Pasifika players.
 
Patron Sir Bryan Williams said it was a special moment to imagine the team running out in the new jersey. “When I see the boys run out for that first time, it’s going to be very emotional, certainly for me and many others. It’s been quite a long journey. Moana Pasifika is so important for our community because it represents our hopes and dreams for the future.…more