Linwood Rugby Embracing Range of Cultures
Whilst being home to a range of different cultures and people, Linwood Rugby Club has made the conscious effort to celebrate their diversity in 2022, starting with their opening club night, which rather than following a traditional format, the night was used to welcome all members to the club in 2022 using culturally appropriate ways reflecting the myriad of cultures amongst the club’s membership.
With Māori and Polynesian heritage providing a rich tapestry to the club's fabric, the opening night provided the perfect platform to welcome new players to the club, as well as reminding returning players of their commitment to both past and present.
“The night was a great success.” said Jason Tiatia. “It’s really strengthened the relationship between both senior teams after the game and that’s something that is really important to us as a club.”
Tiatia, who has this year volunteered his time helping in a strength and conditioning role for the Bulls, but suggests his time assisting the board in their desire to further demonstrate their diversity is just as fulfilling. “The Linwood board were amazing in helping get this set-up, they wanted to ensure the club is inclusive, but not just with the players, we have a highly populated Polynesian community, and that should be represented in all roles, coaches, managers, around the club, volunteering, everywhere.”
“It’s one of those clubs where there are so many cool things happening and this is why I want to give back to my community, while the diversity is in there, it’s not always reflected in the clubrooms or at these formal and social gatherings. It’s been awesome to encourage our members to learn more about all cultures, not just Pāsifika, and implementing structures that help the wellbeing of all our members.”
In addition to the official welcoming of those new and returning players, the club also put on a DJ, dinner for their members and farewelled one of their players, Sui Pauaraisa, who is set to move to Australia to play in NRLW, after years of service to her beloved Linwood club. “It was great to have Sui farewelled and honoured as a part of the night. Not many players get the opportunity to go overseas, but to be female and have that pathway, it’s very exciting for the female game.”
As a part of the night, Sydenham, who were the opponents for the Metro Premier fixture, were invited to stay and enjoy the festivities. “The big picture here is to make it the norm, making it a part of our strategies and values we practice as a club. It is really important for us to recognize all the people and teams in our club, and this was something that came out of Saturday, with some really positive feedback from the night. Sydenham, who were our visitors on Saturday, have even said they’d like to organize one of their own nights so that it is really cool to see another club looking to get involved.”
It was the first of many nights to look forward to this season at Linwood, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for the club to continue being an inclusive home for all of its members this season, with the club looking to perform both on and off the pitch.