Azzurri bid tough call for Haimona

Don't expect Whakarewarewa stalwart Kelly Haimona to be putting on a red and black jersey anytime soon.

The first five-eighth has had to put playing New Zealand club rugby on hold in a bid to wear the Azzurri (blue) of Italy.

Haimona is in his second year of Italian club rugby for the Rugby Lyons of Piacenza.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the club after he was approached by the Italian national team.

"They [Italy selectors] are very interested in me but I'll have to knuckle down, get a lot fitter and that sort of thing. They are looking at three first-fives, who they want to see playing for the team at the next World Cup."

Signing with the Lyons has meant Haimona can no longer play for Whaka, a decision he didn't take lightly.

"For me to be eligible, I can only be seen playing in Italy. I've been told to have player residency I have to play three years in a row.

"My heart is still here with Whaka. There is nothing better than to run onto the field for the love of the game and to play for your mates," Haimona said.

"But this is a financial decision I have to make for me and my family."

Haimona, a former Steamer, said the signing was the biggest career decision he has made but was sure it was the best one for his family.

With Whaka in a fight for survival in the Baywide premiership it had been hard for Haimona to be watching from the sideline.

"Yeah being on the sideline isn't easy. There are times when I want to get back on there and play but my wife said she'd leave me if I did that."

Haimona said although it would be tough Whaka had the ability to make it through to the top four.

The former Whaka captain said the Lyons had a strong season this year. After promotion to the second division, the Lyons made it to the semifinals. He said there was a huge difference between club rugby here and in Italy.

"The biggest standout in New Zealand is our natural feel for the game. The skills we pick up as kids and take forward with us, that's what sets us apart from over there."

Whaka travel to Te Puke to play Te Puna at Maramatanga Park today. The Rotorua side need to win to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

 

Baywide DrawPremier: (2.45pm) Rangataua v Tauranga Sports, Te Ariki Park; Waikite v Greerton Marist, Bellvue Road; Te Puna v Whakarewarewa, Maramatanga Park; Rotoiti v Mt Maunganui, Emery Park; Opotiki v Te Puke Sports, Princess Street Reserve.

Division one: (2.45pm) Rangiuru v Reporoa, Te Puke; Marist St Michaels v Whakatane Marist, Marist Park; Paroa v Kahukura, Lawson Park; Ruatoki v Te Teko, Tuhoe Park; Ngongotaha v Poroporo, Ngongotaha Domain.