Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa says desire to play at Rugby World Cup behind decision to extend NZR contract

Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa has unfinished business in New Zealand.

The 26-year-old has recommitted to New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs to the end of 2029, despite “quite tempting” offers from overseas.

Narawa said the driving force was a chance to play at next year’s Rugby World Cup after he suffered a setback before the 2023 tournament in France.

Narawa was named in Ian Foster’s initial 33-man All Blacks squad for the World Cup, despite being under a cloud after a back injury in his test debut against Argentina.

In the build-up to the tournament opener against France, Narawa reinjured his back and scans revealed a slipped disc, ending his World Cup dream.

“I went to the last World Cup and the dream was over before it even started,” Narawa told the Herald from Perth.

“It was devastating getting told that your dream has been cut short because of injury.

“I sat down with my partner and one thing that came out was to try and have another crack at a World Cup.

“So staying in New Zealand was the only way I could do that and that’s the main reason I re-signed.”

There were other factors – Narawa said his family loves it in New Zealand.

Narawa has been limited to four tests since his 2023 debut in a 41-12 win where he scored a try.

Staying fit is now his top priority after overcoming another major injury, which he said led to some of the toughest moments of his life.

Facing the Springboks in Auckland last year, Narawa made an immediate impact as he scored a stunning try in the opening 90 seconds, diving to gather a cross-field kick before regaining his feet and selling a dummy to cross the line.

Moments later, he was on the ground in agony after taking a knee to the upper body while contesting a high ball. He spent four nights in hospital with scans revealing he had a punctured lung and broken rib.

“The next 12 weeks was the toughest I’ve ever had mentally,” Narawa said. “The highest of the highs, and then a minute later you’re on the ground in pain.”

What helped him get through were his two daughters, Nyla and Milla, and his wife Danielle.

“Nyla was only 2 weeks old at the time, so as devastating as it was, my silver lining was I got to spend time with my newborn.

“It was tough, it was gutting, but I guess that’s where you see the importance of having a good support system around you.”

He recently returned to the field for his 50th Chiefs appearance and has been in good form, scoring two tries in three appearances as he looks to establish himself in the starting side.

There is also an element of unfinished business with the Chiefs, who have tasted defeat in four of the last five finals.

“Growing up in Fiji, [I] didn’t really dream of even playing one game for a Super team, but to play 50 games is an absolute dream,” Narawa said.

“Having come out second best, there is still a bit of disappointment that’s going to hang around in the background, so fingers crossed and hopefully we can get things together and hopefully we come out on top.”

The Chiefs are currently sixth in the Super Rugby standings with three wins and two defeats. They face the Western Force on Saturday night.

Narawa is also hopeful his form will be enough to capture the attention of new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie so he can feature on the tour of South Africa.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.