“We’ve got nothing against the playing group, nothing against the staff that work in there. But the people that make decisions have made it very hard for us to survive over here.
“That’s why they are our greatest rivals because they want to see us not do well, not thrive. I struggle with that when rugby’s in a place where we’re at.”
Umaga’s biggest gripe is the licensing agreement that limits Moana to hosting five games in Auckland a season.
Their home game against the Western Force last month was staged in Pukekohe, which is geographically in the wider Auckland region, but in rugby terms falls under Chiefs territory.
“When our game against Tonga didn’t go through straight away, we had the Northland Union come to us and say, ‘we’d love to have you’, which they’ve done numerous times and the Blues said, ‘no, that’s in our region, you can’t go there’,” Umaga said.
“Then this year, because we play our other games at Pukekohe and obviously that’s in the Chiefs region, the Blues tried to state to us, ‘well, actually that’s within the Auckland super city’.
“That’s what we’re up against but that’s fine. We just have to look back in our past as Pacific Islanders around how tough it is for us here.”
After their scheduled April 11 clash against the Chiefs in Tonga fell through and Pukekohe wasn’t an option, Rotorua saved the day, although that match is also in Chiefs territory.
Karl Budge is in his first season as chief executive of the Blues. Photo / Supplied
Blues chief executive Karl Budge was quick to pour cold water on Umaga’s comments, saying he’s “trying to create a bit of extra spice” before this weekend’s match.
“Tana was one of my idols growing up and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a coach, and he is entitled to his opinions,” Budge said.
“I think this is Tana trying to create a bit of extra spice against their cross-town rivals ahead of our game on Sunday. We have really enjoyed the rivalry we’ve created on the field and this weekend will be no different.
“It has been great to see our two proud clubs work closely together to promote the game and ensure rugby fans, be they in Blues or Moana Pasifika jerseys, get out and support their team.
“We look forward to what will be another tough game against them at Eden Park on Sunday.”
Moana Pasifika won 27-21 in their last Super Rugby Pacific game against the Blues, their first win from six attempts.
Moana Pasifika are currently bottom of the standings, with one win in four games, while the Blues are fourth with two wins and two defeats.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.