Q: You’ve had a unique rugby journey, playing in New Zealand, Hong Kong, and the U.S.—how have those different environments shaped your game?

Jonah Mau’u: Yeah, I think the different ethnic backgrounds and the cultures shaped my game. You learn a bit of different camaraderie in each team, and I think that’s helped shape the way or the person I am on a team. Coming to a team like NOLA, you also have that different variety. So, as much as I’ve gone to different countries, coming to a team where these boys are all from different countries helps a lot, and it’s an easier adjustment to get to know players. 

Q: What did it mean to be named vice-captain this year? 

Jonah Mau’u: Like any other team I’ve been a part of, it means everything, especially when you take on a leadership role. It’s almost like you’re taking on a massive task, you know, to look after your team.  I was excited and happy, and you know everything in between, a bit nervous as well. 

Q: Do you prefer playing openside, blindside, or No. 8—and what adjustments do you make depending on the role you’re given?

Jonah Mau’u: My preference is openside, number seven. I don’t play number eight much because I don’t have the height. I like playing seven because you have to be more mobile around the field defensively, and you get your hands on the ball more often. They both have plus sides, though.

Q: Even if the season didn’t end exactly how you wanted, what are some wins—big or small—that you’re taking away as a leader? 

Jonah Mau’u: I think one that stands out for me most is our captain reaching his 100th cap. That’s a massive milestone not just for himself, but for the club as well. It goes to show how long we’ve been around and the loyalty that this club has, and what it can do for players. 

Q: Can you tell us about representing Manu Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup?

Jonah Mau’u: It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to play rugby at the highest level internationally and for my country, and being able to do it means a lot to me and my family. So, being able to look back on my career and say I represented my country is going to be unreal. 

Q: Looking beyond this season, what are your long-term goals in rugby as a player and possibly beyond the game?

Jonah Mau’u: Beyond the game, I’d look to go into coaching and give back to the game. It’s perhaps the best way you can give back to it, in my opinion. 

Q: How was being a teacher’s aide in Northern Ireland at the Royal School Dungannon? 

Jonah Mau’u:I went to the Royal School Dungannon as a teacher’s aide for a year. I was there for my gap year and was a boarding house assistant. I think it helped me in the long run because it’ll help me with coaching.  The age grade I was looking after will be similar to the next generation I would coach.

Q: How has this season set the foundation for next year’s goals?

Jonah Mau’u: This season has helped set the tone with all our newcomers. We’ve got a marquee signing in Aidan King. It was pretty good for us to get him from the draft, so it just goes to show what the future holds for American rugby. The boys that are coming through that system—if we can get more players of that quality, I feel like it’s gonna be big for us. 

Q: What was your most memorable experience with the team this year?

Jonah Mau’u: We have an annual bowling competition that the boys go to. I’ve only been once myself, but I know that they hold themselves quite highly for it. I know they had the championship just last night, so that’s something that the boys get together for, and everyone tries to get down to it and show their skills. 

Q: Do you have any specific goals for the off-season?  

Jonah Mau’u: I’m trying to represent my country again and hopefully put myself in the mix to get back in next year.