The Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup wrapped up in Utsunomiya, Japan last weekend, punctuated with some pulsating gold medal matches on finals day.
But one of the most disappointing things about the tournament was the lack of Pasifika representation — there was no ‘Pacific’ in Asia Pacific (NZ aside, of course). I’m talking about Cook Islands, Samoa, PNG, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, or any other Pacific Island nation — none were represented. For a tournament bringing together some of the best Touch talent in the region, it was a significant absence, and one that shouldn't go unnoticed.
Tonga, among other Pasifika nations, was a notable absentee at the inaugural Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup.
What's particularly frustrating is that the Pacific is home to some of the most naturally gifted athletes in the world, especially oval-ball sports — Touch is no exception. The athleticism, creativity, footwork and instinct that so many Pacific players bring to the game are a massive part of what makes Touch such an exciting sport to watch.
Beyond the playing ability, Pacific nations bring a level of culture, colour and community to sporting events that adds something special to the experience. Their presence isn't just a bonus. It's part of what makes international sport feel alive. We only have to look at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup to see what Pacific nations bring to the global sporting stage. Passionate followings, proud sporting identities and communities that get behind their teams in a big way. Their involvement has helped make international rugby league a richer product, both on and off the field. The atmosphere, the rivalries, the cultural identity and the stories that come with these teams are a huge part of the appeal, and there’s an opportunity in Touch to tap into that same energy.
Cook Islands brought the noise at the 2024 Touch World Cup in Nottingham, UK.
Even the upcoming Pacific Cup Touch tournament in Auckland in November will have more international teams participating than there were Pacific nations represented at the Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Utsunomiya. So the talent, interest and commitment clearly exist. The question is why that representation wasn't there on a stage designed to bring the region together.
Where does the responsibility lie? There's no one simple answer. The barriers could be financial, or logistical, or organisational, or a combination of those factors and more. But it’s worth examining at a deeper level.
The health of Touch globally needs Pacific nations — they can't be left on the sidelines.
The absence of Pasifika participation doesn’t only affect Pacific nations either — it affects our sport on a global scale. If the aim is to grow the game, attract new audiences and give international Touch the profile it deserves, we need all nations playing meaningful Touch in between World Cups. If nations — particularly talented ones — can’t do that then it counts as yet another missed opportunity, stunting the growth and development of Touch playing nations globally.
Pacific nations offer incredible playing talent, strong sporting cultures and communities that can help bring a lot to the game. Their participation shouldn't be left to circumstance. It should be something the sport and its governing bodies (note, plural) actively work towards outside of a four-yearly World Cup. International Touch is at its best when it brings different nations, cultures and communities together. Last weekend, a huge part of that was missing. We need to make sure it doesn't happen again.