Rugby: MP slates minister's 'ugly' call

Shane Jones. Photo / Northern Advocate

Labour MP Shane Jones says other Maori Parliamentarians do not back the "naive and ugly" call by Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples that a Maori team should compete in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Sharples made the comments last week at a parliamentary luncheon celebrating 100 years of Maori rugby and which showcased the announcement the Maori will play against the touring Irish, Welsh and English national teams this year.

The Maori did not play last year because economic pressures - a move that was much criticised.

Sharples compared Maori to Scotland, Wales and England, who were part of a larger union (the Lions) but competed individually every four years.

"So it is time now to make the case and to take it to the IRB - that the Maori All Blacks be a team that participates in the 2015 Rugby World Cup."

He also criticised the ranking of the team below the All Blacks, under 21s, Super 14 and the NPC.

Jones said he was embarrassed and upset at Dr Sharples' words. The function had been to celebrate Maori rugby and to host New Zealand Rugby Union dignitaries like chairman Jock Hobbs and former Maori All Blacks.

"His views do not reflect those of other Maori MPs who are associated with rugby," said Jones.

"It wasn't just his views - they were naive, ugly and a short-term political stunt aimed at shoring up his own political party. He hijacked that function for a long, rambling speech during which he lectured rugby's leaders and administrators.

"It was designed to grab a headline; to advance his party; and it comes at a time when all of New Zealand are trying to pull together to be good hosts of the 2011 Rugby World Cup," said Jones.

"We should all be pulling together now - not coming up with this divisive stuff. If the minister really wants to know, that kind of talk actually turns more Maori away from the game than it attracts.

"If he really wants to do something for Maori, he would be working with the NZRU, rugby clubs and families to get more Maori into rugby; into sport generally; harnessing the potential of the rugby fraternity to do something for his people - not just pulling a cheap stunt," Jones said.