Cap (Ponsonby Rugby)

This is a cap representing the Ponsonby Rugby Club.  The rugby club was founded in 1874 in Auckland, New Zealand and is affiliated with the Auckland Rugby Football Union.  Ponsonby is one of the oldest clubs in the region and acknowledged as one of the most successful too, producing many All Blacks and international representatives over its history.

A focal point for community activity

This cap is significant as it highlights how the Ponsonby rugby club was a central point for community activity, particularly for Pacific migrants as they settled in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) during the 1960s and 70s.  New Pacific immigrants like other non-European migrants struggled with language, adjusting to the pace of life in New Zealand together with a lack of understanding of the values and structure of society. Rugby was used by many immigrants as a way to familiarise oneself with Kiwi culture and mingle with Europeans all while participating in an activity they enjoyed.

In 1968, a pivotal moment for the Ponsonby club culture was the introduction of an all Samoan rugby team. The establishment of this team and subsequent “islands” teams, allowed Ponsonby to successfully tap into the Pacific expat community which proved to be a rich source of rugby talent.  For Samoans particularly, wearing the Ponsonby jersey was a symbol of pride and 'making it' amongst the community. Often the club would struggle to get uniforms back at the end of the season as players wanted to keep them to show off to family and friends in New Zealand and back home in the islands.  At first, the Samoan team struggled with the 'patterned rugby' style of play that was popular in New Zealand at the time and suffered many losses in the opening seasons.  However, with mentorship by already established Samoan players and a combination of 'island flair' and basic fundamentals of the game learnt in New Zealand; by the mid 1970s the Samoan team excelled and won their grade in 1975 and 1976 including a record win in 1974 against De La Salle (164 - 0).  The Samoan team is an example of the way in which a minority population were supported and embraced by Ponsonby that proved to be highly beneficial to both parties.

Pacific Stars at Ponsonby

There have been many notable Pacific players to have played for Ponsonby including Frank Solomon, one of the earliest players of Pacific origin to wear an All Black jersey, followed later by his brother Dave Solomon.  The brothers are acknowledged not only for their skill on the Rugby field but also for their pride in Samoan culture.  All Black great Bryan Williams, has also been a vocal and loyal player and supporter of Ponsonby. Famous rugby families including the Stanleys and Tuigamalas have all called Ponsonby their home club. 

What's acknowledged is not only the raising of Ponsonby club's profile through these players but also the  knowledge that was gained at the club and then remitted back to the Pacific. The late Peter Fatialofa, a proud Ponsonby representative went on to captain the famous 1991 Samoan side that impressed at the Rugby World Cup of the same year, while Bryan Williams served as technical coach for the tournament.  The transfer of knowledge and style from NZ rugby into the Pacific game proved to be valuable as Pacific nations like Samoa emerged as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

Significance

This cap reminds us that Ponsonby remains an important 'home' in New Zealand for rugby players of Pacific origin.  The assistance the club offered to migrant players as well as the development of the Pacific game is deservingly acknowledged.  The Pacific role models that have emerged from the Ponsonby Rugby Club have not just been influential for rugby players in Auckland during their playing careers, but have inspired a wider Pacific audience to challenge themselves and work to their capabilities.

References

Neazor, P. (1999).  Ponsonby Rugby Club: Passion and Pride. Celebrity Books: Auckland