In the dynamic city of New Orleans, known for its cultural richness and vibrant community, the NOLA GOLD Rugby team welcomes Jonah Mau’u, a player from New Zealand with an impressive rugby pedigree. We sat down with Jonah to discuss his seamless integration into the team, his vast experience across the rugby landscape, and his unique journey from manual labor to professional sports. This interview offers an in-depth look at Jonah’s professional and personal life, highlighting the values and experiences that drive his success on and off the pitch. Join us for a revealing conversation with Jonah Mau’u, whose dedication and passion for rugby mirror the spirited essence of New Orleans.
Q: Jonah, welcome to New Orleans. We’re excited to have you here with the GOLD for at least a couple of reasons — you bring a versatile back row skill and a wealth of rugby experience from your days in New Zealand. Off the bat, tell me how the team feels going into this first match week against Old Glory DC.
A: I can’t fault what we’ve got coming for this first game — we’ve put so much effort into the preseason. We’ve done the work from top to bottom: our leadership and our coaching staff. Cory Brown brings an amazing wealth of experience, which is another asset to the team. We’re really excited.
Q: I understand you were a garage door installer before your professional rugby career took flight. Is there anything from your previous job that has helped develop you into who you are today?
A: I used to joke to my boss that the work with lifting panels and doors helped parts of my rugby game — especially with my shoulders. Any experience can be useful to rugby if you frame it correctly.
Q: You’ve lived in a bunch of places, including Canberra, the UK, Hong Kong, and now New Orleans. You’re dynamic. Is the fast-paced nature of rugby and where it takes you tiresome or part of the adventure?
A: I think it’s part of the adventure. It’s amazing to understand where rugby can take you — I traveled for rugby for the first time when I was just 18 to Northern Ireland. This game can open so many doors if you take full grasp of it.
Q: How has the team been gelling together?
A: The best thing about this team is that we have a vast diversity in our squad — I think we have about 15 nationalities in this team, ranging across so many continents. We’re all coming together as a collective with a common goal. We all want to work as a unit.
Q: One of the strongest parts of your game is your ability to create turnovers. What about your game produces this advantage and how important is it for a free-flowing brand of rugby?
A: In terms of turnovers, I can’t do it on my own. It’s all about what my team is producing. I can go off the back of what my teammates do — I can’t do what I do without my teammates. Turnovers can be the difference between how the game goes — its pacing, in particular. Part of my job is controlling the tempo of the game.
Q: You’re in perhaps the most culturally diverse and inviting city in the United States. Have you been exploring New Orleans? What did you think of Mardi Gras?
A: I got here the week of Mardi Gras, and it lived up to how people talked about it. It made the transition easier — that is, the city was so loving, welcoming, and proud of its history and culture. It made me really happy that I’m here.
Q: Let’s talk about DC. Based on the film you guys have studied and the signings they’ve made, what will be the key areas of the pitch to focus on?
A: They’ve got a versatile pack. They like to play wide. We need to cover all of the field areas; we’ll need to be able to contain any threat they produce. Some of their guys are old mates of mine. We’ll need to mark up and play to our system rather than react to theirs.
Q: How do you expect you’ll make an impact right off the bat this Saturday?
A: It’s all about following our systems and playing our game. If we can do that and execute well, I like our chances.
Q: It’s important we know you not only as a rugby player but also as a person. What do you like to do outside of rugby?
A: I’ve said this in many interviews, and it’s still true — I like to spend time with my partner and make her a priority. Any chance I get, I’m with her; if I’m experiencing something new in New Orleans, she’s right there with me.
Q: What’s been the most formative experience of your rugby career? Which team?
A: It’s got to be Northland — it meant a lot to me to put on that jersey. It was the team that gave me a chance to shine as a professional. I found the love of the game and the camaraderie and culture there.
Q: If there’s one thing you want GOLD fans to know about you as a player, what would it be?
A: I never fold. I never back down.
