From rags to riches

Sharks flanker Epi Taione has changed his name and being banned for six months during a career that has never been dull

As statements go, it was on the dramatic side.

In an effort to boost Tonga's profile at last year's World Cup and give the team's main sponsor a bit of publicity, Epi Taione changed his name to Paddy Power.

It's the name of an Irish bookie, and the Tongans also tried to colour their hair green later in the tournament - a move the IRB quickly banned.

Fast forward six months and Taione is living in a different world.

Part of the Sharks' Super 14 squad, he gets to travel business class, stay in five-star hotels and has the best support, coaching, training and medical advice the rand can buy.

But squashed into an impossibly small seat in the bar at the Sharks' Wellington hotel, Taione remembers all too well the poverty that comes with playing for Tonga.

There was a European tour a few years ago when the Tongan test side didn't have tracksuits. Things weren't that bad in France last year, but life was far from plush.

Hence the name change. "Tonga was pushed into a corner where we were forced to raise funds to prepare for the World Cup," Taione said.

"We managed to go to France, and Tonga probably had its best World Cup ever, thanks to people like that [Paddy Power].

"Without the support of business people in the UK, Tonga and here in New Zealand, we wouldn't have been able to make it to the World Cup. It's the reason I did that [changed his name].

"It's an unlevel playing field. The IRB is trying its best to sort that, but it's very unfair and we just can't compete at that level if it goes on."

Taione was born in Tonga, and was educated at Matamata College till he went on a school trip to Britain in 1997 and met former All Black Va'aiga Tuigamala at Newcastle.

Taione had played rugby only socially as a child, and it was Tuigamala who talked him into taking rugby seriously - as a wing, of course. "He encouraged me to take up the sport. That friendship is still with me. He is a father figure to me."

It wasn't long before Taione moved into the loose forwards as part of Rob Andrew's academy at Newcastle alongside a chap called Jonny Wilkinson.

He was at Newcastle from 1997 to 2004, when he moved to the Sale Sharks under French coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Things took a turn for the worse there, however, in 2006. "I was banned for six months for biting. It was nothing malicious. I admit to it. There was no mark or anything, and that's in the past. I resigned from the club and went to Japan."

It was from Japan, and having impressed against South Africa, that Taione was recruited by the Sharks.

At 29, Taione said it was time to experience a competition he had admired from afar.

"I have pretty much been to every league in the world and, looking back, the Super 14 was the only rugby I hadn't tried. It's exciting and it's massive in Europe. I'd been playing Heineken Cup for about seven years and I wanted a change.

"When the opportunity came, it was too good to turn down."

Taione got his first taste against the Reds last week and will provide plenty of impact off the bench against the Hurricanes tomorrow night.

It will be his first match against the Hurricanes loose trio dubbed The Bouncers - Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe and Rodney So'oialo - and he can't wait.

"Those guys are arguably, as a unit, one of the best in the world. It's a challenge for me but the most important one is for the Sharks.

"We know they are desperate for the win. After last week's defeat to the Crusaders, they will be up for this. It's a massive task for us."

AT A GLANCE

Position: Loose forward

Physical: 1.93m, 123kg

Province: Sharks

Born: March 2, 1979, Kapa (Tonga)

Super 14 caps: 1

Super 14 debut: 2008 v Reds

Test caps: 15 (Tonga)

Test points: 5

Test debut: 2007 v Samoa  

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