What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
From my parents, you only get out what you put in, in rugby, friendships, family, anything in life really.
The season just finished was your first in France. What was the whole experience with/in Toulouse like?
It was awesome. Being at the blues for 15 years and coming to Toulouse, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but right from the start it was amazing. The club, the city, people and way of life were all amazing. My family and I adjusted really well to the French way of life. It also helped a lot that I had some friends from home living in the city like Charlie Faumuina, Piula Fa’asalele, Pita Ah-Ki, Carl Axtens, Joe Tekori, Jarrod Poi, but also had some friends that play next door at Colomiers Jonathan Fa’amatuainu and Randall Kamea, which made the transition a lot easier for me and my family.
If you could be one of your teammates, past or present, who would it be and why?
It would have to be Joe Rokocoko. I grew up with Joe and seeing and playing with him on the big stage, it just seems like nothing ever fazes him. He’s one of the most naturally gifted athletes I’ve ever seen and played with. But to me, knowing him personally, he just never seemed to fear anything. Whether playing for the Blues or All Blacks, it always seemed like he was going out to play touch with the boys in Clendon (Manurewa, South Auckland). I’d love to have that calmness and ability to follow it.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is Orange Fanta
What would you like to achieve outside of rugby?
There are a lot of things I’d love to achieve but at the top of my list is being able to spend more time seeing my kids grow up once I’ve finished rugby. I’d also love to give back to the game that’s given me so much. Whether it’s helping grow the game in my community or in Samoa/Pacific islands. I’ve been able to experience some amazing things through rugby and I’d love for some other young Polynesian boy or girl to experience what I have. That would be cool.
Who would be your four dream dinner party guests?
- Bob Marley (For Music)
- Kevin Hart (For a laugh)
- Micheal Jordan/ Kobe Bryant (can’t decide)
- Will Farrell (for a laugh as well)
And I’ll also take Liam Messam so he can pay for dinner. He never pays for anything! ha ha ha
Was rugby always your dream growing up as a kid?
Yes, it was always rugby or rugby league in my house growing up but mostly rugby.
Who do you pick to win the Rugby World Cup and which team do you think will cause a few upsets?
All Blacks to win, Samoa and Fiji to upset a few teams this year.
Do you have any phobias?
I hate heights, rats and snakes.
What do you enjoy most about living in France?
I love it that the rest of Europe is only a drive away, Spain is only 2 hours from my house. Coming from NZ where if you want to experience another country you have hop on a plane and fly.
Favourite holiday destination?
I have a few, Samoa always fulfills me every time I go home. Waihi Beach in Bay of Plenty NZ, and Natadola in Fiji is special for me and family, the kids loved riding horses on the beach.
Who would you want to be stuck on an island with?
My Dad, he’s a real island guy ha ha, shelter food anything we’ll be sweet ha ha ha
