Expert champions player mental health as Moana Pasifika aim for historic finals berth

Moana Pasifika urgently needs support, both on and off the field, particularly this week.

If the Super Rugby Pacific team can defeat the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night, they will have a chance to compete in their first-ever finals.

This must-win match at Sky Stadium is part of the tournament's final round of games. The top six teams will advance to the playoffs next week.

Currently sitting in sixth place, Moana’s position in the finals is not yet assured, especially with the defending champions, the Blues, close behind them.

This weekend's match is particularly significant for Moana Pasifika, led by captain Ardie Savea.

The team is reeling from a heavy 85-7 loss to the Chiefs last weekend and will need considerable support.

Wellness Manager Malcolm Andrews, a Fiji-born advocate for Pacific health, is committed to helping the team. Andrews oversees the well-being of Moana Pasifika’s players.

He says success requires excellence on and off the field, highlighting the importance of mental wellness and physical fitness. Andrews also acknowledges the pressure the players are under to win.

“What I do is prepare the players’ minds so they can perform well as a team on the field,” Andrews tells Nemai Tagicakibau on PMN Fiji.

“Many people only see what happens on the field, but do not understand the players' struggles off the field. They are human, too, dealing with challenges in family life, finances, and their training and selection.”

Photo/Supplied

He is currently a Senior Research Officer at Auckland University of Technology. He has previously served as a partnership director for the Pasifika Medical Association Group and as a Pacific Health Consultant for Waitemata DHB.

Pursuing a PhD in Psychology at the University of Otago, Andrews states that his role at Moana Pasifika encompasses everything outside of playing rugby.

“It’s crucial for player mental health, emotional balance, and team culture. I guide, nurture, and assure the players,” he says. “To be resilient, one must be mentally, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and financially strong. When players feel supported and respected, and maintain a healthy mindset, they perform better on the field.”

Andrews holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Organisational Psychology from Massey University (2019) and a Master of Arts (Distinction) in Psychology from Massey (2021). He graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Health Promotion from the Auckland University of Technology.

In November 2024, he assumed the position of Wellness Manager at Moana Pasifika after a brief tenure with the Auckland Blues franchise.

Malcolm Andrews, far left, with Moana Pasifika players. Photo/Supplied

His work with Moana enables players to manage stress, stay grounded, and open up about their experiences. “This includes one-on-one support as needed, as well as a social media group where team members can share their challenges."

Andrews collaborates closely with team management, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals to ensure players' well-being.

“My office at North Harbour Stadium is always open to everyone, both players and management,” he says. “While my work primarily focuses on the players, as Pacific Islanders, we draw energy from one another, so management is also part of the support system.”

Andrews says spirituality plays a crucial role in the Moana Pasifika team. “You’ll see Captain Ardie Savea and the players always thank God during interviews after a match. That is part of their upbringing and integral to the team's approach. They understand that their success is rooted in their faith.”

The team begins their week each day at 7am with singing, Bible sharing, affirmations, and encouragement before Head Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga outlines the day's plan.

On Tuesdays, following training, the team gathers at their captain’s home for a Bible study session.

“We have a platform where we share our challenges and pray for one another, recognising the importance of spirituality and worship as essential components of Moana Pasifika,” Andrews says.

He also conducts wellness workshops for coaches and leaders within the rugby and wider Pasifika community, ensuring that support continues beyond the field and after players retire.