Planning for life after rugby

With a eye towards the future, Marist Albion’s Manasa Mataele undertook a behind-the-scenes role with the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) side this season, working with Canterbury’s talented outside backs group.

Husband of newly named Black Fern Martha Mataele, Manasa was able to add a players perspective to trainings, proving invaluable to the team’s trainings and match preparation.

“I’ve been lucky to be a part of professional environments for 8 years now,” said Manasa, “and being a current player, I feel you can add certain perspectives to the game, ones that are also relatable to the players too.”

Having completed his Foundation Coaching Course (World Rugby Level 1) and planning on doing the Developing Rugby Coaches Course (World Rugby Level 2), Manasa talked to the excitement that he gets from coaching.

“I love seeing people grow and get better. I have been mentoring outside of rugby, and coaching provides the natural next step for me.”

“It’s been great to be involved in an environment such as the FPC team, seeing how they train, finding the time to dive deeper and have a discussion to lead them in the right direction, it’s very rewarding, seeing them grow and get positive answers.”

Outside of supporting the FPC team, Manasa has been an integral part of the Canterbury NPC side for the past four seasons, making 23 appearances for the province.

A Fijian international, Manasa has been rehabbing an injury sustained in Round 4, and will be looking to make a return in Canterbury’s run towards the postseason and a push at another Bunnings NPC title.