'They don't want us here': Tana Umaga calls out Blues' top brass

“We’ve got nothing against the playing group, nothing against the staff, because I’ve worked in there, but the people that make decisions have made it very hard for us to survive over here. That’s why they probably are our greatest rivals, because they want to see us not do well and not thrive. And I struggle with that.

“When rugby is in a place where we’re at, I struggle with the narrative that comes out of there last year that they believe they’re representing the Pacific. Well, a Pacific team is here, but they’re not willing to assist us or embrace us for the betterment of rugby. I do struggle with that.

“That’s why this game does mean a lot to us.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

36

18

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

“When our game against Tonga didn’t go through, straight away we had the Northland [Rugby] Union come to us and say ‘hey, we’d love to have you’, which they’ve done numerous times,” Umaga added.

“The Blues said, ‘no, that’s in our region. You can’t go up there’. Then, this year, because we play our other games at [Pukekohe], and that’s in the Chiefs’ region, the Blues tried to say to us, ‘that’s actually within the supercity’.

“That’s what we’re up against. But that’s fine. We just have to look back in our past as Pacific Islanders around how tough it is for us here, how tough our families and our parents have fought to provide for us, to give us an opportunity in this great country.

“It’s nothing new for us as a small entity, trying to build and grow for the benefit of our people.”

“Tana was one of my idols growing up, and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a coach,” Budge said.

“I think this is Tana trying to create a bit of extra spice against their cross-town rivals ahead of our game on Sunday. We have really enjoyed the rivalry we’ve created on the field, and this weekend will be no different.

“It has been great to see our two proud clubs work closely together to promote the game and ensure rugby fans, be they in Blues or Moana Pasifika jerseys, get out and support their team.

“We look forward to what will be another tough game against them at Eden Park on Sunday.”