Samoan-Croatian brothers bolster Croatia rugby team ahead of big European Trophy matches

by croatiaweek
March 22, 2023
in Sport

Samoan-Croatian brothers bolster Croatia rugby team ahead of big European Trophy matches (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

The Croatian national rugby team is set to head off to Lithuania this week as they return to European Trophy Division action.

Croatia, who achieved historic success last season when they earned promotion to the European Trophy division, will face Lithuania on Saturday before meeting Switzerland in Makarska on April 1.

The squad, led by coach Anthony Poša, has been in the southern town of Sinj for the last week preparing for the important matches.

“We have had a great week, mate, culminating in an outstanding result against a Bulgaria team that hasn’t lost in over a year. It was the highest winning margin (76-7) in our history, I’m led to believe. Massive respect to our lads, who aren’t paid for their time; they sacrifice so much to be together and prepare, so wins like this make those sacrifices worthwhile – but, and it’s a big “but,” we have even bigger tests to come, starting this weekend. These games coming up are a very big step up in playing levels,” Poša told us as the squad prepared to depart for Šiauliai.

Croatia playing Bulgaria in Sinj (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

Once again, the Croatia squad features a number of overseas-based players, including for the first time Samoan-Croatian brothers – Deon and Daniel Mau’u.

Deon has represented Croatia in the past, but brother Daniel donned the red and white checkers for the first time on the weekend.

Deon Mau’u (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

The brothers, who were born in Australia but have been residing in New Zealand since they were young kids, have a Samoan father and a Croatian mother.

Daniel Mau’u (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

Their mother, Suzana, whose maiden name was Torbarac, is from the village of Cernik in eastern Croatia.

“Dan is a prop from New Zealand, playing in both the Auckland and Northland area who was spotted by Milan Yelavich. The scrum has been a work on for us over the years and we are hoping that the inclusion of Dan and the addition of new Scrum Coach Gavin Walsh can see us continue to improve in this vital area,” Poša said, before adding.

Coach Anthony Poša watches his side in action against Bulgaria in Sinj (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

“With us being an amateur side and coming up against professional and semi-professional players, we want to play a brand that is unique to us, an attacking tempo that suits both us and, more importantly, that the team buy into and enjoy. As for players to watch out for, Jason Newton and Josh Brajkovic join us again from South Africa and New Zealand respectively, but I’m really keen to see our local youngsters go at this new level now that they are given a chance. In particular Marko Svaguša (Makarska/Nada), Drasen Brecic-Susak (Sinj) and Niko Vranesevic (Zagreb).”

Croatia has had a good build up (Photo credit: Berislav Rožman)

Croatia will be big underdogs heading into the weekend’s match, but coach Poša says Croatians are renowned for punching above their weight.

“On paper, we are massive underdogs for both of these games, especially against Switzerland. They have better resources available, more experienced players playing professionally, and have been at this level for quite some time. Then you add to that the fact that we have numerous players unavailable to travel because of work commitments, etc. But as in other sports, Croatia plays well above its weight class, and we are more than capable of causing an upset! Realistically, though, my main job is to make sure the learning process continues for this great group I have, and whatever the outcome, they continue to become better players. Both for themselves and when they go back to their respective clubs,” Poša concluded.