This week, we have the pleasure of speaking with Rodney Iona, a dynamic flyhalf from Melbourne, Australia. Rodney has an impressive rugby career, having played in the Super Rugby series with the Brumbies and in Pro D2 with Beziers. On the international stage, he has made five appearances for the Samoan national team. Join us as we explore Rodney’s experiences, from leading cultural initiatives to navigating the highs and lows of the season, and get an insider’s look at what drives him both on and off the field.
Q: Let’s talk Pacific Islander week: you led the charge on making last week’s team bonding educational and family-oriented for your teammates. Tell me more about this cultural experience and what you wanted your teammates to gain from it.
A: “Earlier in the year, Moni and I spoke about doing Pacific week. We have done it in the past with other clubs like in Super Rugby or in Pro D2 (which is the French competition), and I thought that it would be a good way for us to express our culture and also to get that team bonding. We aligned our culture of values that are unity, family, respect, and hard work with the ones from the Nola Gold rugby team.”
Q: Houston won here in our house 21-7. They were the first team to clinch a playoff spot. You were out for an injury, tell me your sideline thoughts?
A: “Obviously, that week was a great week where we prepped very well, but unfortunately, prepping for the week doesn’t guarantee success. I think that we have left out a lot of points unanswered out on that field, a lot of individual errors and a couple of team errors where we could have capitalized and scored those tries. Looking back at it, we just needed to be better individually, so hopefully this week going up against Miami, we have learned from our mistakes, and we can go there with some confidence.”
Q: The word “Playoffs”. What does it mean for you and this team? The first thing the media mentions when reporting the Gold is that we have never made the playoffs. How would it feel to break that stigma this weekend?
A: “I think that the boys are in a good place at the moment, the boys are really confident even though we have some injuries. However, the guys who are stepping up in the roles of the players who are usually there are doing a really good job. We are in a good place, we are second in our conference, and if we can continue to be better each week and win the next couple of games, especially this weekend against Miami. It is very important because obviously, they are in our conference, so we need to get these 4 or 5 points.”
Q: Playing the Sharks this Sunday in Miami. We took an L at home on April 20th. How are we approaching this match differently?
A: “We have been talking about it this week, and we understand that we do owe them one. The boys are looking more physical this week against Miami. We know that they are a young, talented, and fit team, so we need to get on top of that really early, be aggressive, and get some momentum in order to get the job done.”
Q: Youth rugby is beginning back up this summer with the help of our players’ coaching. Can you stress the importance of getting a rugby ball in the kids’ hands and the growth of this league in the US?
A: “At a young age, you play the game and make friends with whom you create memories. Starting rugby at a young age is very good for your skills if you want to pursue it as a rugby player. Getting around rugby is also good for social skills, and that’s what you want for the kids.”
Q: You have specifically been mentioned by your younger teammates in other Gold talks as a huge role model. How does that make you feel and how do you maintain that status in the locker room?
A: “First off, that is quite pleasant to hear. I think that it is my service to do so because of my experience playing international and super rugby. It is only fair that I pass these things that I have learned onto players that are coming into the ranks such as Reece (Botha) and Julian (Roberts), who are the future of NOLA rugby but also of American rugby.”
Q: As we approach the end of the season, what are your off-season plans?
A: “Last year, I took 6 months off because of the little injuries that I had, but this year, I’m looking to either play in the ITM or in Sydney. It is my last year with the club before taking off, but I’m really focused on the playoffs, and if we make it, go all the way because I really feel that we have the team to do so.”
Q: What does a typical off day look like for you?
A: “At my age now, I’m usually here getting treatment from the boys in the physio room, and then I usually go on a coffee date with Og (Noa). At home, I’m basically resting, feeding up, and doing some recovery in the pool.”
Q: Do you have a guilty pleasure show? And or foods?
A: “I don’t have a guilty pleasure, I usually eat salad, but I like to eat Krispy Kremes when OJ (Noa) brings them home, and I like to watch and play Fortnite.”
