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English version
In English, this story by Mehepa Atoni Gaualofa is:
Playing Rugby the New Zealand Way
page 2
Toni lived on the island of Ātafu in Tokelau. He lived with his grandparents, Tenise and Taofi, and his cousin, Lopa. Toni was fourteen years old. He was the eldest grandchild. Lopa was eleven years old. One morning, Toni was in the kitchen preparing the lunches for himself and Lopa to take to school. Lopa was playing with a rugby ball inside the house.
page 3
“Toni, Papa wants to go to the Lalo Pua now,” called Lopa.
“Toni, come and take your grandpa to the Lalo Pua now, before you go to school,” said his grandma.
“Since I’m preparing the lunches, Lopa, would you please take Tenise to the Lalo Pua,” said Toni.
“OK, but you are Papa's tokotoko. It’s really your job,” Lopa replied.
page 4
“Goodbye, Grandpa,” said Lopa. “Have a nice day!”
Lopa met up with Toni on their way to school. “Let’s play cricket with the boys at break,” Toni said to Lopa.
“I don’t like playing cricket,” said Lopa.
“What about a rugby game then?” asked Toni.
“Yes! It’s my favourite sport,” Lopa said.
“Same as me,” said Toni.
page 5
During the break, Toni and Lopa played rugby with the other boys. Toni played very well. But the other boys played well too.
page 6
Toni and Lopa arrived home from school.
“My team won the rugby game,” Toni told his grandparents.
His grandparents did not look happy. They looked sad.
“Toni,” said his grandma. “It’s time for you to go to New Zealand.”
“Yes,” said his grandpa. “You can play rugby in New Zealand.”
Toni went to his new school in New Zealand.
page 7
“Hello,” he said to the other boys. “My name’s Toni. I come from Tokelau. I’m fourteen years old.”
“Hello, Toni. My name’s Oliver,” said one boy.
“Hi, Toni, our names are Anthony and Tamati,” said the other boys.
“Welcome to our school,” they all said.
page 8
During the break, Toni went outside with his new friends.
“What sports do you like to play, Toni?” asked Oliver.
“I like lots, but my favourite is rugby,” Toni answered.
“Awesome! Rugby is our favourite sport too,” said his new friends.
page 9
“Wow! The rugby field is huge,” said Toni. “Our rugby field on Ātafu is very small. And your rugby field has grass!” Toni said. “And the goal posts are far away!” he added.
Toni played rugby with his new friends. His friends ran fast. They played rugby very well.
page 10
Every day at school, Toni played rugby with his new friends. Every day, he played better.
“You play well,” said his friends. “You are now playing rugby the New Zealand way.”
page 11
One Saturday, Toni went to watch his school rugby team play.
“Toni, Tamati is not here. Come and play with us,” called Oliver.
Toni played very well. He scored a try.
“Congratulations, Toni!” the coach said. “You are now in the school ruby team.”
Toni was very happy.
page 12
Toni went home. He wanted to tell his family the news. His grandparents and Lopa had arrived
from Ātafu.
“Hello,” said Toni. “I’m on the school rugby team. I can now play rugby the New Zealand way!”
“Awesome, Toni!” said Lopa. “You’re a great New Zealand rugby player!”
His grandma smiled. “Well done, Toni,” she said.
His grandpa smiled. “Take me to your next game, Toni,” his grandpa said. “It’s time to support you.”
