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If you had to choose just one player from the BYU Rugby team that best displayed the skills and dynamics necessary to meet all facets of the game of rugby, the clear choice would be BYU Rugby Scrumhalf Shaun Davies. While his height might cause the unknowing observer to question, anyone who has witnessed him play for even a few minutes knows of his amazing elusiveness and physicality on the field. (Photos by Paul Meyers)
At the position of scrumhalf, Shaun's obvious talent and high level of execution not only rendered him an individual threat but also set him apart as a dependable leader. Throughout the season, it was a common occurrence to witness Shaun score more than one individual try as well as set up numerous others. His aptitude and decisiveness at such a critical position enabled the BYU Rugby team to play at a faster pace than ever before.With great pleasure, the BYU Rugby Forever "Interview of the Week" series continues with the most recognizable player on the field today, the face of the BYU Rugby team, All-American Scrumhalf Shaun Davies.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What influenced you to come to BYU all the way from home in South Africa? Has it been a tough transition to adapt to the LDS/BYU culture?
Shaun Davies:
Well, BYU is a really good school, and the rugby team speaks for itself; so that is the main reason, but I always just wanted to study away from home...just never knew it would be this far. It was never tough to adapt to the culture because all the guys on the team were so helpful to Dylan and me.
BYU Rugby Forever:
In the 2009 National Title match against Cal Berkeley, you notched a penalty kick with less than 5 minutes left in the game to give BYU the win by 3 points and to be subsequently named the match MVP. What does this moment and achievement mean to you? to your family?
Shaun Davies:
I was extremely honored to have received the award. To be honest though, I think there were a bunch of guys who could have got the award before me; I guess I was just lucky to have got the kick over.
My parents think that I am the next Daniel Carter or something now. I better not let them down.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Earlier this summer, you were injured while playing for the RegionalAll-Star team, the Pacific Coast Grizzlies, which injury prevented youfrom playing with the All-Americans. What was injured and how? What's the status of your recovery and ability to play next season?
Shaun Davies:
I tore the MCL and PCL; the MCL was torn completely though. It was just unlucky how it happened. I was running the ball back and thought I got round the first wave of defenders, but then some guy hit me from the side and there went my knee.
I am meant to be back and playing full contact by mid September, but I think I will just take it easy. I don’t see the point of coming back and then just hurting it again.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What were some of the most intense moments you experienced this past season?
Shaun Davies:
There are so many intense moments from this last season. It varies from Coach Smyth nearly killing me in a half time talk against Dartmouth to playing Berkley in the final.
One of my favorite moments would have to be against [Arkansas State]. I remember after the try we scored, Kyle Sumsion went crazy (most intense moment), and I just burst out laughing at him. And looking back at that now, I still laugh even though that was for me the toughest game of the season.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your goals for yourself and for the team during the rest of your BYU Rugby career? If possible, would you pursue the opportunity to play rugby on a higher level?
Shaun Davies:
For the BYU rugby team, we have now set the benchmark of a perfect season, and we know what it takes...so I would love to have three more of those, and I am willing to do whatever it takes.
It’s funny you ask that, because yesterday I was watching the Berkley game but concentrating on myself...and it made me realize that if I do want to play at a higher level, there is still a lot I have to improve. To answer your question, I want to go as far in rugby as I can go.
BYU Rugby Forever:
To all the BYU Rugby faithful around the world, do you have any particular message or thoughts you would share?
Shaun Davies:
Thank you all so much for the support. You don’t realize how much it helps and how much we enjoy it. I hope that we can make you guys just as happy this season as we did last.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks, Shaun. Hope you heal up well in time for another great season! Congrats on the MVP and national honors!
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The long wait and anticipation is over as the 'Interview of the Week' series finally features none other than big BYU Prop and All-American, Mikey Su'a. Joining the ranks of what seems to be an increasingly consistent BYU presence on the Collegiate All-American roster, Mikey's selection to the squad granted him the chance to compete internationally earlier this month.
Throughout the regular season and National Tournament, Mikey's dominant physical presence and surprising mobility on the field excited BYU Rugby teammates and fans alike. And as a clutch player, his flexibility and growing test experience enabled him to fill in at the critical Hooker position for Ra Lawrence during the 2009 National Championships. (Photo by Paul Meyers)
BYU Rugby Forever:
In the National Championship final this past May, you received a yellow card just before the end of the match. What exactly happened in that critical situation? In your opinion, did your actions justify the ref's call?
Mikey Su'a:
Well, it was about six minutes until the final whistle. I had just made a tackle at the base of the ruck; I got up, and Kyle Sumsion and myself started to counter-ruck. We both counter-rucked, and then I counter-rucked again...the next thing I know, the referee is giving me a yellow card for "not attempting to wrap in the tackle." I've watched the game film over and over, trying to see what the referee saw, but I still really don't understand the call...but I think all in all, it worked out just fine.
BYU Rugby Forever:
As a selection to the 2009 All-American Traveling Squad, you recently returned from a 3-match tour to South Africa. Please describe your experience, on and off the pitch, for the benefit of us fans. What moment stands out to you as the highlight of the trip?
Mikey Su'a:
Going to South Africa as a part of the All-American Team was an awesome experience. It was a hard but rewarding tour. We started off in Glendale, Colorado, for the first 3 days just training and getting to know our teammates better; then it was about 26 hours of traveling to Cape Town. We trained twice a day for most of the tour just to try to make the most of our opportunity to play together and to try to get used to one another's style of play.
Rugby in South Africa is just a way of life, so to be able to go and be a part of that whole culture was something else! I would have to say that playing in Newlands Stadium was definitely a highlight of the tour. Just to be in the stadium and to see where so many famous matches have been played was a humbling experience.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Several players from Cal Berkeley also traveled with the All-Americans to South Africa. Was it a tough transition to suddenly have to practice with, support, and play alongside your usual rivals? Thoughts? Experiences?
Mikey Su'a:
It really wasn't tough at all. The Cal guys were very easy to get along with. We all knew what we were there for. Part of playing on a team like the All-American Team means that you've probably played against most of your new teammates before you play with them. But being a part of a rugby program like Cal, they know the type of rugby you have to play to be successful, so it was a very easy transition to play with them.
BYU Rugby Forever:
An inevitable question, what's the story on your recruitment experience with the BYU football team? Will you end up playing after all, and if so, at what position?
Mikey Su'a:
Well, I was asked to be on the BYU Football team as a nose guard. After training with them all summer, and some of fall, I was made aware that I did not qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Basically, I didn't take the right amount of "core" classes when I was in high school, so I won't be playing football at all...just concentrating on rugby!
BYU Rugby Forever:
What is your outlook on the upcoming 2009-2010 rugby season? With several key players graduating or leaving on missions, what will the BYU Rugby team need to do to be as competitive as last season?
Mikey Su'a:
We will definitely miss those players that are leaving. No one can replace a Steve St. Pierre, who left such a mark on BYU Rugby. Steve was an example, both on and off the field to our entire team, and the best team captain you could ask for. Guys like Paul Lasike, Kyle Sumsion, and Jordan Lowry, who made such an impact on the field, will be missed but we'll be excited to get them back from their missions.
Over all, we have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season. We are starting our strength and conditioning sessions with Coach Omer and Coach McClure soon, which will help us get in better shape, and then Coach Smyth, Coach Tarawhiti, Coach Kjar, and Coach Nadauld always work us hard. They know what it takes to be successful, so if we as a team can trust the coaches to prepare us, I know we'll be successful this season.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What would you say to all the BYU Rugby fans and alumni around the world if you had the chance?
Mikey Su'a:
I don't think the fans and alumni know how much we sincerely appreciate them. From all those supporters that open their homes to us, to the fans that just cheer for us. Without all of the BYU Rugby supporters, there is no way that BYU Rugby would be at the level it is. At almost every practice, training, or game, our coaches remind us of all the people that help behind the scenes, whether it's BYU Rugby alumni, fans, or just supporters. We know who you are and we thank you!
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks for your time and consideration, and congratulations on the opportunity to represent the US internationally! Good luck this coming year!
Mikey Su'a:
Thanks for the interview opportunity, bro!
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