This week, we had the privilege of sitting down with Malcolm May, the 50th capped gold player hailing from Chicago. With six seasons under his belt, May has made an indelible mark on the back row for NOLA Gold. We delved into his journey, from pivotal moments in the season to his personal rituals and aspirations beyond the field.

Q: Congratulations on reaching the playoffs for the first time! How does it feel to achieve this milestone with NOLA Gold?

A: “It feels pretty good, honestly. It’s been a journey for many of us on the team, and now the next challenge is to secure a home playoff game.”

Q: You scored the try that put us back in front. How did you feel in that moment?

A: “I felt pretty excited. Usually, I’m too tired to celebrate, but that one got me hyped.”

Q: Can you share any standout moments from this season that were turning points for the team?

A: “Probably the Seattle comeback win. We dropped a few tries in a row, but rallying from that deficit reignited our belief in our potential.”

Q: What’s been the key factor in the team’s success this season?

A: “The continuous improvement of veteran players and the infusion of new talent have helped shape our team culture and identity.”

Q: How have you prepared physically and mentally for the playoffs?

A: “It’s more about daily improvement for us. As long as we’re fulfilling our potential as a team, the results will follow.”

Q: Why did you choose rugby over other sports?

A: “The team environment of rugby appealed to me more than other sports. It fosters a sense of working together rather than just individual tasks.”

Q: What was the most challenging part of your journey to the professional level?

A: “Injuring my Achilles at 22 was tough. It made me question if I could continue, but I kept pushing until I became a consistent starter.”

Q: Can you walk us through a typical training day?

A: “Wake up early, team meetings, unit drills, practice, film review, and then rest.”

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: “I do breathing exercises, meditate, and visualize before taking the field.”

Q: What are your plans for this summer?

A: “Coaching with the local rugby team and hopefully starting my master’s in school counseling in the fall.”