I am Jamie-Jerry Taulagi born and raised in the heart of South Auckland Otara. Eldest of four. Currently based in Agen, South of France. I have travelled the world playing Rugby but forever grateful for the talent the lord blessed me with to get to experience different cultures and live in different countries.

What was it like for you growing up in Otara?
Growing up in Otara was good because you go through a lot in the hood. But it also keeps you grounded. But one thing is for sure you can take the kid out of OTARA but you can’t take the OTARA out of the kid!!
 

Where did you start and how you got to where you are today?
I started playing for Papatoetoe at a very young age . But honestly I made it here through hard work. My parents pushed me everyday and engraved the motto hard work will beat talent when talent isn't working.
 

What clubs did you play before making the Super Rugby?
When I finished school I left to go to Australia alone, to try make it there. I got an offer by the Brisbane Broncos and the Queensland Reds at that time. I chose to go union because that’s where I played most of my games. But I played for a club called University of Queensland.
 

What is your message for our future who aspire to be where you are today?

Just keep chasing that dream remember you don’t have to always make rep teams to get to your final destination that could be NRL or Super Rugby. The likes of me and Nemani Nadolo and Will Genia and there’s probably plenty other players who probably didn’t make rep footy but killing it in the highest level of rugby/league. But they stayed determined and hungry to reach that goal whether it was a hard road to that goal, trust me it will be a better victory then taking the short cut to that goal.

Article added: Friday 26 June 2020