“Go out of my comfort zone”

Can you tell us about you?

“Born in New Zealand. Born in Auckland, South Auckland. Māngere. I am very proud to be from there. My family is from New Zealand. My parents are both Samoans.

Yeah, I am proud to be Samoan. I cherish where I am from, where my mum and dad are from. Yes, I am proud to be Samoan. And New Zealander as well.”

How did you end up in Top 14?

“It is a good competition. One of the top competitions. It is good to be here. Test myself and go out of my comfort zone to come in to France and play some French footy. I got a chance to fill in for one of the boys for medical joker. That was a good opportunity. I am grateful to be here and excited, still excited to be in the team throughout the season.”

Before Grenoble, you played in Mitre 10 Cup with Counties Manukau?

“Counties. I have played for Counties for three years. And I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot from the coaches and the players there. It was really really good there.”

And before that?

“Before Counties, I just played club rugby up in Auckland for Manukau Rovers. That where all started after I finished school. So I played club footy there. I made the move to Counties after that.”

You never played in Super Rugby, did you?

“No, that was one of my goals. To play Super Rugby. I had a chance. I played for Chiefs Development. And that was the only chance I got. I was pretty grateful for that opportunity. But…”

Playing here in Top 14 might be another chance?

“Yes, definitely. Playing there is another opportunity. Not only for myself, but also for my family and my partner and for the future as well.”