New Zealand rugby players help out local Navajo communities

Posted by Oree Foster | Jun 25, 2015 | Sports |

New Zealand natives Malone Harris and Julius Sa’u take a moment to have a photo taken after having erected a fence as part of their service in Tsaile, Ariz. on June 16. (Courtesy photo)

CHINLE

Navajo culture, Navajo food and rugby: three things the New Zealand rugby players of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shared while lending a helping hand on Navajo land.

For New Zealand natives Malone Harris, Julius Sa’u, Isaiah Cowley and TJ Beatson, helping the Navajo people was an exciting time for them.

“We gave our services where it was needed, for people who can’t do certain chores by themselves,” said Harris, mentor of the other three young men.

The New Zealand rugby players are part of a privately run program called “Return with Honor” that helps communities in need around the world.

Harris mentioned that his team spent a week on the Navajo Nation to lend a helping hand to Navajo individuals, along with members of the LDS Church, in need of assistance with things like hauling wood, constructing fences, home repair and yard work for Navajo elders in the Chinle area.

While helping with the “muscle work,” Sa’u mentioned that the Navajo Nation’s scenery and terrain reminded him a lot of home even though his home is much greener.

“It feels good afterward, because we helped the oldies (elders) with putting up fences, helped straighten up around their houses and they’re really thankful,” added Sa’u.