Soutar-Finch Driven to create Inclusive Space for Players

Reihana on the ALN panel at the HPSNZ Performance Summit

Photo cred: Thomas Hamill photography

New Zealand open men’s touch representative Reihana Soutar-Finch is keen to create a more inclusive space for future players to feel supported and heard.

He’s spearheading an athlete voice mechanism by bringing together players from the top three open level teams with support from the Athlete Leaders Network.

“I have been in the system a long time now and something like this is well overdue,” says Reihana, who has 51 caps to his name. “There have been times over the years where we have just had to suck it up and roll with the punches but I think our players deserve a bit of a voice and I would love to be the one to put this in place for future athletes. It will be a player’s organisation.”

ALN had been the backbone in helping to set it up and guiding Reihana through the process. “They have given us all the structures so we can put this together accurately and correctly,” he says. “It is about being more open and available for change. We all love the sport and that’s why we are here but it would be lovely to be more a part of the decision-making at the planning phases so the outcomes are for us.”

Previously players paid their fees and were just told the outcomes. “If we were paid athletes that would be fine, but we are paying to play so it will be nice to have a say in things.”

Players who have heard of Reihana’s plans have been quick to voice their support. “A few times people have spoken out and had to face the consequences so there has been that fear or speaking out as an individual. This will give players a collective voice.”

He is planning quarterly meetings, half of which will be in person and the rest online.

“For me, as I get nearer to the end of my time in the black singlet, I hope for a more inclusive space for future Touch Blacks so they have a pathway where they feel comfortable to be themselves and not have a fear of voicing their concerns or thoughts.

“I have less of a fear of that as I have not so much to lose as opposed to when you are early in your career.”

So, he wants to be able to lead that voice for others who may be new in their journey.

The recent Performance Summit 2025 had underlined for him the importance of a collective voice. “It was amazing to absorb everything from the key note speakers who were leaders in their fields and offered great advice. It was good to see other NSOs there who were willing to hear and take in the athlete voice in an open way.”

Reihana is looking forward to the new journey ahead of him and the group, as well as working closely with the ALN to further support touch athletes of the future.