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In this powerful episode of the Rugby Coach Weekly podcast, Dan Cottrell sits down with Regan Sue, co-founder of Haka Rugby Global, to explore how Maori culture, adaptability, and people-first coaching have helped shape one of the world’s most culturally rich rugby initiatives.

Regan shares stories from over a decade of running 100+ camps across 50 countries, unpacking the deeper meaning behind the haka, the power of coaching with cultural intent, and the nuances of leadership, energy, and skill development.

From managing chaotic changing rooms to instilling “mana” in every tackle, Regan explains how his coaching journey has always been rooted in adaptability and authenticity. With themes like the Warrior on the Edge and feet-fight-finish, he outlines how traditional values merge with technical excellence on the pitch and how every session balances smiles with sweat.

Links:

Insta: Haka Rugby Global

Facebook: Haka Rugby Global

Insta: Coach Regs

Facebook: Coach Regs

Regan has shared some key concepts:

Patu

He is the co-founder of Haka Rugby Global with business partner Troy Nathan
•⁠ ⁠100s camps, 50 countries, 30 Staff, 3000 players
•⁠ ⁠Utilise Māori culture and rugby as a tool to help create future world leaders

Maori culture as a way to grow players?
We know where we come from
•⁠ ⁠Turangawaewae: Where one stands, their place in the world: Belong
•⁠ ⁠Whakapapa (genealogy line of ancestors)
•⁠ ⁠Pepeha acknowledges: Mountain, River, Canoe, Tribes, Marae (meeting place), Family + Me

RESPECT
•⁠ ⁠He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata he tangata he tangata!
•⁠ ⁠What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people, the people, the people

•⁠ ⁠It’s better to walk into a room go to the back and be asked to go to the front, rather than walk into a room go to the front and be asked to go to the back.
When it’s your time to lead, your people will call you to the front

•⁠ ⁠Mana: Leader, Power, Strength, Service to the people… ”Prestige”
•⁠ ⁠In many cultures a person's status in society is determined by their financial wealth
•⁠ ⁠In Māori culture a person's status in the tribe is determined by their Mana
•⁠ ⁠You gain Mana by how you perform on the field

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