When the sun goes down. What helps or hinders Pasifika professional rugby players to successfully transition to another career pathway when they retire from professional rugby

Abstract

This research uses the Pasifika male voice to identify what helps or hinders Pasifika professional rugby players’ successful transition from rugby to a new career. Using the Critical Incident Technique (Flanagan, 1954; Airini et al 2011) ten former Pasifika professional rugby players were interviewed about their transition from rugby and how these experiences helped or hindered their success in this new career period. Building upon previous research into career transitions, this thesis provided the opportunity for the voices of PPRP to be heard in ways that have not happened before. The theoretical underpinnings and research practices were explicitly Pasifika. Aspects of male Pasifika identity were identified to make an analytical 'lens' (the 'Tamaloa lens') through which to interpret the data. A professional and respectful relationship between researcher and participant was nurtured with the intention that it would remain 'forever continous' (the 'Teu teu le va methodology'). An Advisory Group made predominantly of Pasfika men with understanding of the professional sports environment and cultures was a constant reference point throughout the research. The participants and Advisory Group recognized the intimate understanding that the researcher himself has of professional rugby and the transition to a new career. These elements in combination resulted in an unusual level of candor and remarkable honesty from the participants. In this way this research may be the first to provide such a rich analysis of contemporary Pasifika voices about the transition from professional rugby to new careers. Promising practices were identified for this context of professional rugby and for Pasifika men within that context. This research has highlighted the importance of relationship between researcher and participant in Pasifika research. Four themes emerged from the data: long-term planning, relationships, living for today, and stakeholders. These themes indicate promising practices with implications for the franchise, aiga, community and the former players. The development of the Tamaloa lens is unique to this research and provides what may be the first intentionally masculine lens for interpreting the experiences of Pasifika men. Common ideas associated with the Tamaloa lens include strength, courage, spontaneity, patience, respect, intelligence and the spirit of the warrior. This research has provided insights from cultural male viewpoints that are rarely available. Finally, this research contributes to an expanded understanding of practices in support of successful career transitions and in relation to the theory and practices of Pasifika research itself.