Rugby: Auckland coach Alama Ieremia’s emotional interview after qualifying for the Miter 10 Cup Premiership final

For many, 2020 has been a year to forget. With the Covid-19 pandemic spreading across the world, people have seen their loved ones get sick, have experienced job losses, and a variety of uncomfortable situations.

Auckland rugby coach Alama Ieremia has seen the impact of the virus on several levels and, after his team clinched their ticket to the 10 Miter Cup Premiership final on Saturday with a 23-18 win over Waikato, was overwhelmed with emotion.

“I had a brother who lost his job due to Covid-19; I have a father who has struggled to stay alive; he has been a criminal for a long time; he is here in New Zealand, he cannot return to Samoa, and he has been here supporting to this team from the beginning, “Ieremia said.

“I’m not the only one, that’s just my story. There are families who are obviously also going through a lot of financial pressure. I have staff who work for free, they can’t put 100% bread and butter on the table for their families. , and they have been very committed to this team.

“It puts what we do into perspective, so I just want to thank everyone and I hope the guys will do it for them.”

Auckland will host the final at Eden Park next weekend, with free admission for fans who want to get off and enjoy the action live.

Ieremia explained the union wanted to give back to the community.

“We certainly want to make sure this team gives back,” Ieremia said. “I mentioned earlier in the week that the value of this team was really inspiring for our community. It will be a very emotional week for many of the players because they have all had a different story around their families, in the rugby club, around to friends who have been affected by Covid-19.

“We all have our own stories, so I’d like to think that the team will probably give back a lot of that faith and support to make us do what we do. Hopefully we can thank those who show up. For us to be there in the first place, there’s probably a little more excitement around you.

“I am very proud of the team and of many people behind the scenes; many invisible things have happened to achieve what we did, and I would like to think that we can finish it well.