New Brumbies recruit Ollie Sapsford credits a unique stint playing Aussie Rules in rural Western Australia for his rise in Rugby as he settles into life in the nation's capital.
Sapsford moved from NZ to Australia after completing a building apprentice, turning his focus away from Rugby despite representing Mid Canterbury at the under-16s level.
In the AFL-mad area of WA, he would instantly excel in the sport whilst working on a farm, with his coaches and fellow players pushing him to try his luck in Perth.
After impressing in the foreign sport, this would be the catalyst for the 26-year-old to return home to New Zealand and give Rugby another try.
“From when I could walk to when I was 14-15 I used to love Rugby and playing through the age groups but I just grew up (and) went to a rural school, got interested in building and started an apprenticeship when I was 16,” he revealed to reporters at the start of the week.
“I just went down a different path and focused on getting an apprenticeship and once I got that done I found myself coming back to Rugby.
“It was a moment in Perth when I was playing some club AFL over there. They were asking what I was up to and I was just over there working on a farm and they were saying I should go into Perth and give Aussie Rules a crack.
“I had a moment to myself and thought if I could do that in one season, I’d much rather go home and play the game that I love and give Rugby a crack.”
It would eventually pay off for Sapsford, who experienced breakout seasons for NPC club Hawke's Bay.
This saw him earn selection for the All Blacks Sevens ahead of the Tokyo Olympics and whilst he would travel as a non-playing reserve, his impressive form saw him sign a two-year deal with the Brumbies.
“It feels awesome because the work I put in three years ago is starting to pay off now,” he believes.
“The hard work when I was just a club player wanting to be a professional, you’ve got to start somewhere. I didn’t play through the school system, I started when I was 19-20 so that hard work is starting to show off so I’m super grateful and excited to be here now.
“I’m excited to test myself at this level and rip in.”
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Sapsford, who is eligible for both Australia and New Zealand through his mother, was eager to learn off the likes of Irae Simone and Wallaby Len Ikitau as he pushes for positions anywhere in their highly competitive backline.
“To be honest, I’ll be happy to play wherever on the field,” he admitted.
“I think coming over here, I looked at playing in the midfield, grow as a midfielder and get some experience. I would love to be in there but happy to fill in on the wing, wherever I’m needed.
“All the boys in the backline have been so welcoming, they’ve helped when I’ve been asking a lot of questions because I love knowing what’s going on so all the boys here have been great.
“I think it’s lived up to what I expected. Obviously never played here before so didn’t know what to expect but it’s a great setup, really good bunch of lads and coaching setup so it’s been good."
