Former All Black Filo Tiatita has been named an assistant coach for new Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika.
The NZ-born Samoan will join head coach and former teammate Aaron Mauger to guide the Pasifika side in their debut Super Rugby Pacific season, which starts in February.
Since hanging up his boots in 2001, the former Hurricanes veteran and two-test international has gained extensive coaching experience, including stints with Japan, the now-defunct Sunwolves and Welsh side Ospreys.
Most recently, Tiatia worked with head coach Alama Ieremia at Auckland, helping guide the team back to 2018 National Provincial Championship glory.
The former powerhouse loose forward, who has already begun his coaching duties with Moana Pasifika, is encouraged by what he's seen to date and hopes to contribute to an historic 2022 campaign.
"We have a lot of amazing talent out there and this team is an exciting development in professional rugby," says Tiatia.
"I'm really motivated to be part of finding and growing future stars of the international game, and I have a strong desire to help our Pasifika players thrive, and deliver exciting and fun rugby to play and watch.
"Having a strong cultural tie to roots was an important part of my role as a player and it has been a key part of my coaching style."
Mauger says Tiatia is the ideal addition to his squad, with his unique cultural insight already making an impact.
"Filo is a proud Samoan, who has been around professional rugby teams for over 30 years," Mauger notes.
"He knows what a good rugby team looks like, he knows the challenges, knows what success looks like and he knows what we need on the field.
"His knowledge and skills as a coach, and his work ethic are incredible. Like many of the people involved in our programme, his heart is that of a proud Pasifika man, who cares deeply about being part of this special team."
Moana Pasifika director of rugby Kevin Senio says Tiatia committed himself early to the team and his contribution to their cause has been immense.
"Filo was an easy choice for us and we’re delighted to have him in our management team," says Senio. "I am blown away at how much work Aaron and Filo and the rest of the team have done to ensure we are able to maximise the time we have with players.
"We have the added advantage of players who have been able to rest their bodies and minds during lockdown, and their training regimes been able to focus solely on getting themselves ready for our season."
Earlier this week, the team announced the signing of former NZ Warriors centre Solomone Kata, who'll debut for Tonga against England at Twickenham this weekend.
Kata joins ex-Wallabies internationals Christian Lealiifano and Sekope Kepu in the Moana Pasifika playing ranks.
The full management team will be announced in the coming weeks.
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