A number of players have provided a guide on how to say their names ahead of the latest Super Rugby round.
New Zealand Rugby posted a video called Say My Name to help celebrate cultural diversity but also give a number of players the chance to finally correct fans orcommentators who've been mispronouncing their names.
The video features Crusaders prop Michael Alaalatoa, James Lentjes of the Highlanders, Wes Goosen of the Hurricanes, Dalton Papali'i of the Blues, Pita Gus Sowakula of the Chiefs, as well as All Blacks Richie Mo'unga and Waisake Naholo.
With teams based in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Japan and matches being played across those five countries as well as Fiji and Singapore, and players hailing from a multitude of different backgrounds – Super Rugby is one of the most diverse sports competitions in the world.
New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum said: "This week we're taking a small step in celebrating how varied and different our back stories might be.
"All five Super Rugby teams are made up of players from a broad and rich range of backgrounds not just in terms of ethnic and cultural background. Each club has its own regional and fan community with distinct characteristics that set them apart from all other clubs.
"Players from each of the clubs have been sharing with us and their fans exactly how their names should be pronounced – and they've also shared some of the most common mistakes when people mispronounce.
"Players, and many of their families have told us, that it's okay to get it wrong, but they applaud people for making a real effort to get it right," he said.
