Since I was five I started playing ‘midget’ rugby, in Australia where I lived for 8 years, before moving to New Zealand. I’ve always played 8, ever since I started playing rugby. I was pretty tall as I child and I haven’t really grown since I was 16, so naturally you can imagine I fell into the no. 8 position. I’ve played at a variety of levels across my rugby career, I actually started playing senior rugby when I was 15, which is now illegal- I had the size though so I was alright! I took a pretty bad knock a few years back and completely caved half of my face in which meant I was out of action for two years. After two and a half months in the hospital, 14 hours of surgery, and two seasons’ rest playing cricket, I’m medically fit to play again- it’s just the actual fitness I’ve got to worry about now!

Of what you’ve seen so far, what do you like about Colchester’s style of play? How does it differ to the style you play in New Zealand?

You guys are really fast compared to how we play at home. Where we play, every game is a lot more physical, more contact, more collisions- you come off the pitch and feel like you’ve been through a warzone! Over here, however, you get the ball out quick and do a bit more with it, although that’s probably more Colchester’s style than the Brits’ style in general. I’m trying to get my fitness up to keep up with everyone! I like the fact that everyone knows their roles and no one is falling on top of one another, you’ve got good structure over here which I like.

I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in with the pack, you guys have a great bunch of forwards who seriously know their stuff around the breakdown and in the scrum.

What style of rugby do you like to play? What can the Colchester supports expect to see from you this season?

I’ll bring physicality and grit. Naturally being an 8, I like to play physical rugby; I enjoy the scrum and confrontation that comes with being a forward. Although saying that I’m quite mobile when I’ve got the ball. My aggressive style of play means I often run through collisions and break through the defensive line.

Why did you choose to come to Colchester? How are you enjoying it so far?

I always wanted to come back to the UK and this area in particular. Playing cricket at Hadleigh meant I knew Colchester and I knew Brett so it kind of went from there. I really like the UK and I’d love to stay here full time- although the weather will take some getting used to! You guys were so excited about this summer, which makes me dread what your normal summers are like! There’s loads more to do around here than back home and it’s super close to different countries so I might explore Europe if I get chance in the offseason. England is definitely different from back home; all the houses and stuff are different plus everyone takes care of themselves here. Like back home it’s all a bit more wild- like our hair and stuff- we go hunting and live off the land- there’s no getting a haircut before every game!

What is your personal aim this season?

I’d like to be part of the promotional campaign; I feel like Colchester definitely have the capability to do it and I’d love to help them and play a part in that. That would be really cool.

Growing up, who was your all-time favourite rugby player?

Jerry Collins, the All Black blindside flank. He was my kind of player; a mongrel, real physical. I was lucky enough to play against him when he came back and played a game for his old club in Wellington. He was playing 8 so he was my opposite number and it was surreal; such a class player, it was an honour to play with him.

What’s your proudest memory playing rugby?

I was selected for the New Zealand Emerging Players Squad, that was a pretty special moment.

What part of training do you dread the most?

Training in the snow. I saw on social media you guys trained in the snow last year and that looks awful!

Do you get nervous before a big game?

No, not at all- I’ve played enough rugby in my life not to get nervous, you learn to blank it out and use it to motivate you.

Who is the funniest in the squad?

KP- definitely the funniest – the things he comes out with, I’ve never heard anyone come out with the stuff he does- in the middle of training too. I can’t even explain it, he just says the funniest things and it’s the way he says it too.

If you could go to any sporting event in the world what would it be and why?

Easy, the Rugby World Cup Final- anywhere, although I think it would be pretty cool at Twickenham, I would say England vs All Blacks but that would be no good for you guys! Watch rugby in Argentina is also pretty high on my list.

If you could bring 3 things over from New Zealand that we don’t have here in Essex, what would you bring?

Coruba Rum, it’s a rum we have back home and it’s so good! I don’t drink beer at all so after a game I’ll have a rum. Although saying that, you guys do good cider here, Aspalls cider is way better than the stuff we get back at home. I’d also bring over New Zealand lamb- nothing beats it, and of course my family.

Who in the Colchester squad would you least like to come up against in a game?

As I mentioned before, my fitness isn’t great, so I wouldn’t want to have Damien or Crozier running at me during a game- those guys are rapid. In the forwards it would have to be the Mitchell brothers or Rhys Hartley, looks like he’s got a wild side!

Finally, If you could invite 3 people to a dinner party, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Pippa Middleton, no need to ask why. Jonah Lomu, again it’s pretty self-explanatory- the guy is a legend. Finally, I’d have Peter Brock, he’s an Australian v8 supercar racer and he’s actually who I’m named after!