From music to rugby – Hoani Matenga loves being back

Hoani Matenga made a promise to his dying father a decade ago. He told John, a respected Aranui High School teacher, he would try and became the best rugby player he could be.

After leaving Christchurch Boys' High School in 2004, the lock or loose forward settled in Dunedin and completed a degree in marketing and tourism. Additionally he played for the University club, at that time coached by internationals Josh Kronfeld and Josh Leslie.

In 2009 he earned his first-class debut for Otago against Canterbury. In 2010 he was a member of the Highlanders wider training squad.

Rugby appeared to be flourishing, but Matenga had another passion that was hard to resist and was growing in strength, music.

While playing for the New Zealand Under-17 rugby team, Matenga met Matiu Walters who would eventually became a flatmate in Castle Street, Dunedin.

Together with Eli Paewai they formed a band named after their address, Six60.

"We basically would play for free, or for some Speight's. We'd play a few house parties and just work on getting better," Matenga recalls of the band's early days.

"I ended up playing bass as I was probably the third-best guitarist."

Six60 soon became one of New Zealand's most popular bands. In 2009 they released a seven-track LP that caught fire and earned them a place on the stage at the Rhythm and Vines Festival.

By 2011, Don't Forget Your Roots (which featured Matenga's base on the original version) was the highest selling single in the country.

How tempting was it to leave the grind of professional rugby for potential longevity in show business?

"I have no regrets," Matenga insists.

"I am still good friends with the members of the band. I love rugby. I love the competitive nature of it."

In 2011 Matenga signed with Stade Montois in France, it proved to be a memorable season.

"I played every game. We were a division two club and won promotion to the Top 14.The town reacted like we were national champions," he recalls.

"But the rugby was tough. It was very defence orientated and there was a lot of dirty play. If you were caught on the ground, you were in trouble."

A lucrative offer from the Kubota Spears brought Matenga to Japan. Though enjoyable, the rugby was much less intense.

"Sometimes it was like chasing mice", Matenga laughs.

"The Japanese game is very quick and their players are extremely skilful, but its lacks physicality."

Interestingly the Kubota Spears were coached by former Wallaby Toutai Kefu and featured All Black Isaia Toeava and Samoan international Seilala Mapusua who played for Otago.

Matenga desired a return home and an opportunity emerged with the Wellington Lions.

Was Matenga concerned about Wellington's terrible season in 2014?
"Not at all, I wasn't involved last year. So far the chemistry has been really good," he says.

In fact Matenga was warned by co-coach Richard Watt that Wellington selected their eighth best lock last year. Matenga laughs, Maybe I am the ninth best."

Wellington beat the best last weekend in Round 1 of the ITM Cup, upsetting Premiership champions Taranaki. Matenga produced a solid hour in the 19-14 triumph and is clear about his goal for 2015.

"I think a province like Wellington deserves to be in the top division. Last week was a good start, but we are going to take things one week at a time."

Did You Know?
In 2004 Matenga played in the National Top Four First XV final for Christchurch Boys' High School against Wesley College. The game was drawn 22-22. Future All Black Colin Slade scored 17 points for Christchurch, future Wallaby Sekope Kepu scored two tries for Wesley.