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https:\/\/www.rugbypass.com\/news\/malakai-fekitoa-the-pathways-are-very-different-now\/ Former All Black midfielder and current Benneton player Malakai Fekitoa<\/a> has weighed in on pathways back home in the Pacific and New Zealand, discussing how much they have changed over the years.<\/p>\nFekitoa, who played 24 Tests for the All Blacks<\/a> before representing Tonga, has been playing rugby overseas for several years.<\/p>\n Fekitoa\u2019s Benneton side currently sits eleventh in the United Rugby Championship<\/a> table after eleven rounds, four points off the playoff spots.<\/p>\n The midfielder played a part in the Highlanders<\/a> Super Rugby trophy in 2015, before playing for the All Blacks in the 2015 Rugby World Cup<\/a> in England.<\/p>\n Speaking to\u00a0Ben Francis\u00a0from the\u00a0New Zealand<\/a> Herald, Fekitoa explained that making the move overseas was one of the best decisions of his life.<\/p>\n \u201cAt first it was quite scary, and I didn\u2019t know if I\u2019d made the right decision to leave New Zealand,\u201d Fekitoa told the\u00a0Herald.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s been one of the best decisions I\u2019ve ever made. Probably the best thing to come out of it is my family.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been here eight years now. I\u2019ve grown a lot, I understand the game better and I have a different approach. I also get to enjoy life off the field and experience different cultures.\u201d<\/p>\n The former Wasps<\/a> and Highlanders player is quick to praise the inclusion of South African teams to the URC, years after they were removed from Super Rugby Pacific.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like the old Super Rugby,\u201d Fekitoa told the Herald. \u201cThat\u2019s why the URC is growing so fast and becoming one of the best competitions \u2013 it\u2019s five nations in one.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery team has a different style, so you have to adapt every week. It\u2019s hard at times, but it\u2019s fun and great to play.<\/p>\n \u201cI had that experience in Super Rugby. Touring South Africa<\/a> for a couple of weeks was one of the best challenges, and it brings back memories every time.\u201d<\/p>\n When Fekitoa began his professional rugby career, pathways into the sport for kids in the islands were limited, at least to what is available in this day and age, a progression the 33-year-old is here for.<\/p>\n Fixture<\/p>\n United Rugby Championship<\/p>\n Dragons RFC <\/p>\n Benetton <\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe pathways are very different now,\u201d Fekitoa said.<\/p>\n \u201cA lot of guys are coming over straight after school and starting their development here. It\u2019s great to see opportunities being offered and clear pathways for players to experience something different from back home.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a real mix of cultures and experiences, with players from all over the world competing in this competition.\u201d<\/p>\n When asked whether the experienced midfielder would be keen on another Rugby World Cup with Tonga, he admits it will ultimately depend on how his body is holding up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll be 35 by then, and I want to make sure my body is right and that I\u2019m good for the job,\u201d Fekitoa said. \u201cI don\u2019t want to take anyone\u2019s spot if I\u2019m not good enough.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m doing well here at Benetton<\/a> and hopefully that continues. If I\u2019m in good form, I\u2019ll make myself available for selection.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1769919310_577_307.png.webp.webp\"\/)
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