A Q&A from Cardiff Blues website;
Posted 3/11/05
Blues fans responded in their droves to the opportunity to send Jonah a question before he arrives.
A select number of questions have been answered by Jonah, read the Questions and Answers below.
There’s been a huge amount of interest in you coming over, are you looking forward to it?
Yes I am, I’m really looking forward to getting there and to get a feel for the team and trying to fit in, it’ll take wee while, but they all speak the same language. â€" Rugby
Have you had any chance to see any of the Cardiff Blues games or Wales games over in New Zealand?
Yes we watched a lot of the Wales international but I’ve not seen as many Heineken Cup matches as I would have liked, but I’ve taken more notice to see how things are progressing.
What do you think of the standard of Welsh rugby at the moment?
Wales must be doing great if the Six Nations is anything to go by, it was great for Welsh rugby, I’ve always thought it’s been there and waiting to come out.
Why choose Wales and the Blues?
The process of dealing with them was simple and straightforward and I’ve always said when I’m in Wales it was at my second home, it’s always been great to me and you can’t get much more passionate than the Welsh fans. It’s ironic I started my professional career with the Auckland Blues and also the jersey colour of my school team so it’s almost deja vu. The deciding factors are the current guys and the innovative way they see the game flowing, I played against them and it’s a great priviledge to learn form them and get their perspective. As a player and coach rugby is a forever learning circle as life is in general
How’s your shoulder now? When do you think you’ll be playing your first game?
It’s good. I’m looking forward to playing and am sick of running around the training pitch and can’t wait to get going and get stuck in to things. I’m available from December 1st but will be training from when I get there.
Do you think it will be easier to settle with Xavier Rush there? Are you friends with him?
I’ve known Xavier for quite a while fortunate to play with him for the All Blacks.
He’s a good man to have around he’s a great team man. I’m looking forward to another opportunity to rub shoulders with him again.
How do you see the match Wales v New Zealand going?
Not being biased but I’d have to back New Zealand, being a true blue New Zealand supporter and always will be.
Have you had any contact with Cardiff fans and know how much interest there is?
Yes, we noticed on the emails we received and it’s been positive which was really great.
Final message for Cardiff Blues fans
I want to tell everyone at Cardiff Blues it’s a great privilege and honour for me to join the club, I’m looking forward to it and I hope to bring something to the team hope to be a great start kick start my career again.
Tickets go on sale for the Cardiff Blues versus Calvisano Heineken Cup gme on Monday 7th November at 9am. Call 029 20 30 20 30 or go to
www.cardiffblues.com/tickets