++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is the author’s version ‘Of Warriors and Blokes: The Problem of Maori Rugby for Pakeha Masculinity in New Zealand’ in Chandler, T. and Nauright, J. (eds) Making The Rugby World: Race, Gender, Commerce London, Frank Cass, pp 1-26. 1999. It appears here in its pre-publication format in lieu of the publisher’s version of record. Author: Malcolm MacLean ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ OF WARRIORS AND BLOKES: THE PROBLEM OF MAORI RUGBY FOR PAKEHA MASCULINITY 1 Malcolm MacLean Human Movement Studies University of Queensland In 1982, the doyen of New Zealand rugby journalists, T.P. (Terry) McLean asked, “Who were the really great among Maori players? Who stood out? Who would be fit to rank among the elect of players produced by the race?” 2 The article itself is in the reminiscence style of so much rugby writing. It is not the content that is of relevance though - it is just another list and justification for a particular group of fifteen being the greatest. McLean’s status in New Zealand sports journalism does give the list some additional noteworthiness, but little else. The real significance of the piece lies in the title. McLean sees the great Maori rugby players as Warriors and has, as a result, exposed the dominant discursive frame surrounding views of and attitudes towards Maori rugby. Maori have been significant actors in and users of rugby almost since its introduction to New Zealand in 1870. At the same time, rugby has been a key element in the construction of a legitimate masculinity in New Zealand. This masculinity is characteristically Pakeha 3 cementing the elite status of men in the colonising group. Class power is maintained by accentuating a supposed egalitarianism, centred on the notion of the hard man, the ‘real’ bloke, denying the social divisions of power and wealth. Through this dynamic, an image of New Zealand men derived from a supposed glorious pioneer past has held sway in an almost unchallenged manner for the first 70 or so years of this century. 1 I am grateful to John Bale for his comments on an earlier version of this paper. 2 Terry McLean ‘Maoridom’s Mighty Warriors’ Tu Tangata 9 December 1982. pp 5 3 New Zealanders of European descent.