Zakus, Dwight, and Horton, Peter (2009) Pasifikas in Australian rugby: emanant cultural, social and economic issues. Sporting Traditions, 26 (2). pp. 67-86.

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Abstract

In both codes of Rugby, players from Pacific Islands are renowned for their playing talent, as are the national teams of Fiji, Tonga and Manu Samoa along with the New Zealand Maori. The Wallabies, the All Blacks and the Super 14 teams from both nations are replete with players of Pacific Island heritage (Pasifikas). In the National Rugby League (NRL) it is estimated that 40 percent of players in the 25-man squads at the the 15 clubs emanate from a Pasifika background, while at the junior representative levels the number is now over 50 per cent. This article reflects upon issues that are emerging from this ever-growing presence of Pasifikas at the elite levels of Australian Rugby, though with particular focus on the Union game. This includes discussion of the 'push and pull' migration factors, the cultural, social and economic backgrounds of Pasifika players in Australian society. While their playing talent is welcome in the destination countries, issues particular to their country of origin point to contradictions within Australian multiculturalism policy and Australian life, often leading to social issues and conflict for Pasifika migrants.

Item ID:	11351
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0813-2577
Keywords:	Pasifikas, rugby, Australia
Date Deposited:	27 May 2010 00:02
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1399 Other Education > 139999 Education not elsewhere classified @ 30% 13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130399 Specialist Studies in Education not elsewhere classified @ 70%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970113 Expanding Knowledge in Education @ 20% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970116 Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society @ 80%
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