Maori deserve piece of ka pie

OPINION: Playing for NZ Maori was one of the highlights of my career.

It's fantastic that we're going to celebrate 100 years of Maori rugby this year with games against Wales, Ireland and England.

Of course, there are always arguments that there is no place for the New Zealand Maori team, given they're a racially-selected side. But having a such a unique side is something we should be proud of.

It's not just Maori that support the team, all of New Zealand gets behind them.

The game against the Springboks in the 1980s has gone down in folklore, as has the win over England in the 1990s, plus the victory over the British and Irish Lions on 2005.

There is talk that for some of the games which clash with All Blacks fixtures Maori players will play for the Maori side rather than the national team.

I played for NZ Maori against the Wallabies in 2001 when we had a number of All Blacks in the side and that was one of the highlights of my career.

For the players involved it's a really enjoyable and unique experience to play for NZ Maori, especially in these days of professionalism.

The culture and environment is very different – it's a lot more relaxed but there is still that determination to win.

Given the history of the side and its prestige internationally I think there remains a place for Maori rugby beyond the celebrations around its anniversary this year.

It has a special place in New Zealand rugby – one we shouldn't throw away.

I'm relaxed about whether they make a return to the Churchill Cup in North America or the Pacific Nations Cup in the Islands.

I think they should be a significant part of the New Zealand domestic season.

It has been a highlight for international touring teams to play against NZ Maori when they come here and I'd like to see more of this.

While NZ Maori have been able to get in place some significant games for this year, that's not the case for the Black Ferns, who'll be looking to defend their World Championship status at next year's World Cup in England.

Canada have cancelled their trip to New Zealand meaning there are no tests for the Ferns to play, and the women's NPC has also been canned.

Women's rugby does remain a minority sport and I guess when times are tough, unfortunately, the NZRU do have to cut costs.

It would be fantastic if we could fund Black Ferns and women's rugby in general a great deal more.

But the reality is that unless you're a relatively self-funding sport (like women's netball is), when times are tough you are going to come under pressure.

- © Fairfax NZ News