Q: Can you share some pivotal moments in your rugby career that have shaped you as a player?
A: I would say it was during my school year when I was 18. I realized at a young age that I could do my dream as a job.
Q:What has been the most memorable game you’ve played, and why does it stand out to you?
A: When we played Germany back in Samoa. That feeling of playing in front of friends and family where you grew up was just very special.
Q:How has the transition been moving from Rugby New York to NOLA Gold?
A: It was really easy for me because I have a lot of friends here such as Jared Adams or Taniela Filimone. New Orleans is a welcoming city and there are a lot of great people here.
Q:You have under your belt a championship title with New York, how can experience help you and the team for the upcoming playoff game?
A: I think that it can help a lot, my experience can help NOLA Gold players for their first ever playoffs run. We believe that we can do it as a team and achieve our goal.
Q: What do you think of NOLA Gold fans compared to other teams you’ve played for?
A: The fans are awesome! When we see that the club was only created in 2018 and we have so many fans coming to our games, that feeling is just awesome. I feel that both sides of the organization are working very well, the front office is doing a great job and us the players are winning some games.
Q:What role do you see yourself playing in the team’s overall strategy and success this season?
A: Honestly it has been an up and down season for me but what I say to myself is to stay true to who I am. I try to bring my experience and keep motivated my teammates on and off the field.
Q:What has been the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your rugby career?
A: Be open minded and be willing to learn. Even if you have some experience, listening to advice from anyone can just make you progress.
Q:Are there any specific training routines or rituals you swear by?
A: I like to keep it simple, I don’t have a specific routine. I just get my work done and do the best for me and the team.
Q: What are your long-term goals in rugby, and what do you hope to achieve with NOLA Gold?
A: Winning the championship! My goal here is to win but also just to be remembered as a nice person. There is one quote that I love from Dwane Johnson “It’s nice to be important but it is more important to be nice”. I try to apply it to my teammates and everyone around me.
Q:If you could have any superpower on the rugby field, what would it be and why?
A: Luckily I already have speed so I would say vision. A lot of scrum halfs and fly halfs have it and it would be nice to have one as good as theirs.