Sitting Down with Sef Fa'agase

Earlier this week, right after a tough mornings training, I was able to sit down with Reds prop Sef Fa'agase to chat. We spoke about rugby, his life, and his teams recent trip to Samoa - his families country of origin. Enjoy!

Hey Sef, Thanks for making the time to chat.

That's ok. Thanks for having me Tom.

How's training going for the Reds team at the moment?

Trainings been very tough. It's been almost like a mini-preseason. It's been a good opportunity, during the June period with all the [Wallabies] test matches where us as individuals can get better with the little things that we need to work on that we can't really do during the season, so trainings been really good.

What was your highlight from the Samoa trip?

I guess playing in front of my family, they don't get to see me play too often. They've only been able to watch from a distance. And I guess showcasing to the boys a little bit about where I come from was a real highlight.

You guys played well, especially with the captain out of action.

Yeah I think we played exceptionally well. We were unlucky to not come away with the win - but it was good that the captain that we had that night stepped up when Samu got injured and he led really well.

You're originally from New Zealand. How did you end up playing in Brisbane?

Yes I was born in New Zealand, but my family moved to Brisbane in 94. So I've spent most of my life in Brisbane, and I've played most of my junior footy out in Beaudesert, and now I'm here with the Reds.

What do you enjoy most about playing in the Prop position? What does the position involve?

I guess being a prop you're really at the front line of it all, especially within the scrums, it's my favourite part of the game. Just being physical with the other opposing player, it's why I love playing.

My main job as a prop is scrum first and foremost, and I play an integral part in the line out functioning. So a lot of lifting, and a lot of set pieces.

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Ok, something that not a lot of people know about me... it wasn't til after I left school that I picked up rugby, but during high school I was a cheer-leader, so I think I can thank that for my line-out lifting. [Laughs].

You already have a lot of experience in rugby society. Do you have any advice for someone wanting to pursue a career in rugby union, both boys and girls?

So like I said, I didn't pick up rugby until after I left school, but for anyone that has a dream of playing rugby, I just say go ahead, anything is possible. Just as long as you set yourself some goals, I think that's the main part. And then asking as many questions as you can, people that are around, within the rugby society. So that's my biggest advice. Ask a lot of questions, set goals, and anythings possible.

The next Reds game is against the Brumbies on Friday the 7th July. For sure I'll be there watching and supporting. All the best for your teams training over the next few weeks.

Thank you a lot! I look forward to seeing you there, and I look forward to hopefully getting a win against the Brumbies, just for you.

A Big Day for Ballymore/A Conversation with Izack Rodda

I had a great day today at Ballymore stadium. I got to watch the Wallabies train and meet a few of them for the first time, as well see the Reds do their thing. The Wallabies are in Brisbane, ahead of their match against Italy - 3pm this Saturday at Suncorp - on Channel 10.

Henry Speight was humble enough to take a photo with me, even with my Reds hat on

Bumped into this stranger. I tried to make him feel as welcome as possible at Ballymore

For this weeks player interview, I was lucky to sit down with the giant himself, Izack Rodda. Enjoy!

Hey Izack, thanks for taking time to chat. I know things are busy for you at the moment.

Yeah no worries mate!

I heard a rumour you've been training with the Wallabies. Is that true? 

Yeah it’s true I trained yesterday.

How did it go?

It was exciting. It was a new step for me in my career. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work. Contacts are a lot harder than over here, so it was good.

Back to the Reds - how's the teams training going at the moment?

Yeah trainings been good. We’ve doing a lot of games and we’ve been working specifically on our line out work and kick-off reception which has been good for us. We’ve been lacking that this year, so we’ve been really honing down on it in the last couple of weeks and really improving.

So how did you end up playing for the Reds?

Well I finished school up at Ipswich Grammar in 2014 and I came over to the under-20s programme and was in that for about 2 years. In 2016 I went from that and started training here and haven’t left since. I sort of just went through the pathway.

You’re originally from Lismore, which is in New South Wales.

Yeah I grew up in Evans Head down in Byron Bay. They had some scouts from the school come down to one of the local rep game and asked me to come along down to the school there so I just took the chance.

Sorry about the game last night.

Yeah the Blues sort of went to sleep in the second half, and let Queensland back into it. JT was never going to miss that kick.

What was your highlight from the teams recent trip to Samoa?

It was probably Jakey McIntyre dancing with his shirt off at the dinner, with a little Samoan girl in the show they did. That was definitely a highlight.

And the question we ask everyone... can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

Umm… when I was 6 years old, I played soccer and did ballet for school. Not many people know that. I kept that on the down low for a long time.

Thanks for your time. Good luck with your training this week.

No, thank you. Pleasure. Yeah, one more session to go and then a couple of days off.

With the #redsinsamoa

I’ve had an awesome week visiting Samoa with the Queensland Reds for their game against the Auckland Blues. As this is being written, we are just getting ready to head back home to Brisbane.

As well as this weeks player interview (with Lukhan Tui) I wanted to share a bit more about my trip overall and some of the memories I’ll take home with me. I had a great time travelling around the island, eating great food (especially the fish!) and meeting some of the amazing locals who really took care of me. It was also great to hang out with members of the Reds team during their down time, and even at their trainings.

The biggest highlight for me (besides watching Friday night’s game) was handing out the jersey’s to team, on the morning of the game. It was an honour to be a part of the day in that way. I think I’ll kick off with photos from there:

Click here to see a quick video of the morning on the Reds Instagram page.

Catching up with the team on arrival

Obviously… this is me talking to Samu Kerevi, the Reds captain, in the hotel lobby. What I didn’t know when this picture was taken is that Bill English, the Prime Minister of New Zealand is in the background. True story - we actually met Bill later on, after Friday nights game and were allowed to take a proper photo with him. (He's a nice bloke by the way.) I might choose to post that one later, but for now, I just wanted to share this one. I like it better. He does support the Blues after all.

Unfortunately Samu was injured during Friday’s game. Samu - we’re all behind you, and are wishing you a quick recovery in time for the rest of the Reds season.

With the Reds at Training

I was gutted to find out at training that Rob Simmons (to my left) also got injured that week. Rugby is definitely a tough game! Rob, I know you’ll be back soon.

Catching up with Reds coach Nick Stiles after the captains run at Apia Stadium

The Game

Watching the game was an awesome experience. The Reds didn’t win it, but overall, their performance was good. Click here to see one of their tries that my press secretary managed to capture:

“Two-try Tupou” is what my Dad called Teniela after he scored his second try.

It is true there were some empty seats at the game, but the crowd was still very vocal and enthusiastic. Sure there were a lot of Blues flags in the crowd, but there was also a very loud group supporting the Reds. Over the next few days, as we travelled around the island, everyone we spoke to knew about the game, and most people that weren’t there with us had watched it on television. It’s clear the game was well received by the locals, and that the Reds now have many fans in this country.

George Smith getting up close to Samoan Reds fans after the game

If you’d like to see more photos from the Reds trip to Samoa, why not type in the hashtag #redsinsamoa on Instagram.  I hope the Reds travel here again.

On game day, a reporter came up to me and my Dad and wanted to photograph and interview us. It came out in the paper the next day.

Travelling around the island

On Saturday and Sunday, I spent half of the day travelling around different parts of the island.

Our first trip took us to Lalomanu beach, and Sunday afternoons trip took us around the other side, ending in Mulifanua which is close to the airport.

The Samoans showed themselves to be great at hospitality, feeding us very well. I especially loved eating the fresh fish. Also, I probably drank way too much pineapple juice and Fanta. 

A big thanks to Tili and Lette from “AHM Taxi Stand” for taking such good care of me.

This is Junior and Rose. One night, the pathway we took to get home was quite rocky, and they helped hold my wheelchair for most of the trip home. Like I said, people took good care of me around here.

Thanks again Samoa for having me. Everyone should try and visit this country sometime.

June Wallabies Tests

The Super Rugby competition is on hold for a while. There are three Wallabies tests happening in the month of June and I’ll definitely be watching every one of them.

Although Rob and Samu are injured, Stephen, Quade, Scott, Karmichael, Eto, and Lukhan are all Reds players who have made the squad. (The last three are playing for the Wallabies for the first time!)

The first test is this Saturday, June 10th at 3pm (in Melbourne). Make sure you're tuning in....

I'll be back with another player interview soon.

Are you following me on Instagram? Make sure you find me @tomhamiltonreds

Talofa From Samoa! Catching Up with Lukhan Tui

The "AHM Taxi Stand" has been getting behind the Reds

Talofa, from the beautiful country of Samoa! I've been here for the last few days, and experiencing the food, culture and hospitality has been an amazing experience. And of course I'm here to support the Reds, who are here for a special game against the Auckland Blues on Friday night (5:35PM, Brisbane time). It is technically a Blues home game, so it has been great to see a lot of support for the Reds around here too.

For this weeks player interview, I was fortunate to sit down with Lukhan Tui. Even though Lukhan is of Samoan descent, this week has been his first time in this country. I was able to ask him what he loves about Samoa and about his short but successful rugby career so far and also hear about his love of unhealthy food!

He's looking fit and match-ready though, and has recently been playing so well he's received a call up to the Wallabies for the June tests. It's clear he doesn't eat too much unhealthy food. Except this one time... read on...

Hi Lukhan, thanks for taking the time to catch up tonight. First of all, congratulations on being selected for the upcoming Wallabies tests. 

You were born in Auckland. How does it feel to be playing the Auckland Blues tomorrow night?

Reds training hard for Fridays game in the Samoan heat

It’s cool to be able to play the team that’s from the city I was born in. I have a lot of family in Auckland and it means a lot to me that I get to verse them in the country my family are also from. To be able to play the Blues over here, it’s gonna be a special night and I’m looking forward to it.

Your family is from Samoa originally. What have you enjoyed most about being here this week?

Yeah, my family is from Samoa. My grandmother grew up here, and her siblings, as well as some of my aunties and uncles. Yeah it’s been a pretty emotional journey coming back to Samoa for the first time, and see where my family grew up. It’s good to connect with the people and the family. I’m so grateful for my family, for everything they’ve done. Because if the work wasn’t done here then, I probably wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today.

I’m very blessed and grateful to be in Samoa for the first time, and to be here with the team and you guys is also a special thing.

What's your favourite local food?

My favourite local food is [laughs] probably not the healthiest food. 

Kalo, oka, I really love lua’u and all the heavy stuff, every single meat you could think of. Pretty much everything. Everything fatty. [laughs]

What else do you love about Samoa?

The people. Even though we’re not family, it almost seems like everyone’s family. The weather, the countries beautiful, the islands amazing, and to be able to go and see the natural parts of Samoa is good. The beaches, the waterfalls and stuff like that, I love it.

It’s still surreal to be here for the first time, it’s amazing. It’s hard to explain.

What is something you've learnt this season?

I’ve learnt that it’s a long season, and opportunities do arise often - so I guess I’ve learnt to just work hard, through the ups and downs, get close to my teammates, and just learn the game of rugby a lot more. I’ve only be playing the game of rugby for about 2 1/2-3 years and I’m loving it. That’s a credit to the boys as well. It’s been real good.

What do you love most about living in Brisbane?

It’s not as big as Sydney, beautiful people, the weather, it’s always hot, it’s hardly raining, the cities beautiful. I like it because everything’s so close, there’s not much traffic, it’s not as bad as Sydney. And I’ve come to make a lot of new friends, as well as you guys.

Lukhan Tui - someone to watch out for in Australian Rugby

Can you tell us something about yourself that not many people may know?

I got a funny one. When I first moved up to Queensland for the Reds, I had shoulder surgery. And two days after my surgery, I went on a ten day cruise. In those ten days, I put on 11 kilos - 11 kilos of most likely fat. And I put on 50 mls of skin folds, which is like body fat. I’ve been told that’s probably a record for most people. That’s something that probably most people don’t know - it’s not funny, but it is funny.

Thanks Lukhan for your time. All the best for Friday night's game. You've got all of Queensland behind you.

Thanks for having me. Is good to see you guys over here Tom. It’s good to see you over in Samoa supporting the boys. We love seeing you around, we love having you at training every time, and we’ll have to keep having moments like this with you. So thanks.