JAMES LAY NAMED CAPTAIN OF MOANA PASIFIKA
(Photo: Moana Pasifika)
Moana Pasifika, the dynamic rugby franchise representing the rich cultures of the Pacific Islands, has announced that prop James Lay will lead the team as captain for the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific season in 2024. Lay, a seasoned Manu Samoa international, is set to make his debut with Moana Pasifika, bringing a wealth of experience gained from playing in both New Zealand and England.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor, the 30-year-old Lay said, "It's a privilege I don't take lightly. I was able to tell my brother, mum, and dad, and my girlfriend, and they're all happy for me." Lay, known for his tenacity on the field, emphasized the significance of this leadership role within the team.
Lay acknowledged the support and experience of the team's former captains, Christian Lealiifano, Sekope Kepu, and Solomone Funaki. "I'm lucky that I've got a good leadership group around me with plenty of experience," he noted. "I've been impressed with how they're leading the team. I can take a step back and allow them to deliver key messages as well."
The newly appointed captain received encouraging messages from his teammates, reinforcing the camaraderie within the team. Lay shared, "I got some nice personal messages from the boys in that group, and they just said they've got my back no matter what. They're here to support me with whatever we need."
Lay emphasized the collective goal of Moana Pasifika as a team. "As a team, we want to put in performances that our people will be proud of. We want our fans and our people to look up to us and get behind us in what we're trying to achieve," he said. "For me, I just need to focus on being the best version of myself, and hopefully, the others will follow."
Head Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga praised Lay's leadership qualities, stating, "James is a hard worker, and he leads through his actions as much as he leads through his words. The way he plays, he doesn't cut corners and showcases all the values that this team's about." Umaga emphasized that Lay's leadership is innate, rooted in his nature rather than a desire for recognition.
Lay's appointment as captain reflects Moana Pasifika's commitment to fostering strong leadership and unity within the team. As they prepare for the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, the squad, under Lay's guidance, aims to deliver performances that resonate with their people and fans, creating a source of pride and inspiration for the Pacific Islands community.