'A lot fitter than me': Knights NRLW forward ignites a Newcastle rugby career
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live.
For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world.
Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs.
Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW.
"We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place.
"We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front.
"I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby.
"I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder."
The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different.
Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final
Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday.
"He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person."
Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4.
Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season.
"Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said.
Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together.
"I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends."
Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks.
"He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ."
Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick.
Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum.
The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live.
For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world.
Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs.
Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW.
"We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place.
"We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front.
"I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby.
"I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder."
The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different.
Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final
Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday.
"He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person."
Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4.
Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season.
"Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said.
Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together.
"I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends."
Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks.
"He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ."
Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick.
Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum.
The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live.
For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world.
Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs.
Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW.
"We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place.
"We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front.
"I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby.
"I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder."
The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different.
Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final
Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday.
"He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person."
Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4.
Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season.
"Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said.
Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together.
"I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends."
Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks.
"He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ."
Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick.
Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum.
The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live.
For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world.
Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs.
Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW.
"We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place.
"We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front.
"I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby.
"I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder."
The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different.
Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final
Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday.
"He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person."
Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4.
Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday.
He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season.
"Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said.
Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together.
"I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends."
Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks.
"He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ."
Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick.
Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum.
The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
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Former Knights great turned crusader against and survivor of brain cancer, Mark Hughes, launched the ninth Beanies for Brain Cancer NRL round on Wednesday, as his former club fielded a small army of beanies in training that morning. Hughes, who debuted in 1997 at 20 years old and played on the wing in that year's memorable grand final win over Manly, was diagnosed with an avocado-sized brain tumour in 2013. Since founding the charity in his name in 2014, the annual beanies campaign and its partnered NRL round, have become a marquee date in the calendar. The charity is a juggernaut research funder, hires specialist nursing staff to guide patients through their own battles, and coordinates leading thinkers in the sector. More than one million beanies have been sold since the first NRL round in 2017, funnelling some $35 million towards research and patient support. 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The Advertiser
5 hours ago
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'A lot fitter than me': Knights NRLW forward ignites a Newcastle rugby career
Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game. Tomas Aoake reckons there is nothing like watching his partner, Knights NRLW forward, Grace Kukutai play live. For the past four years, the sporting guns have lived on opposite sides of the world. Aoake, 29, plays Major League Rugby for San Diego and last Saturday made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield. Kukutai was a professional netballer in New Zealand, before switching to rugby union and playing Super W for the Waikato Chiefs. Last year, the athletic 28-year-old swapped codes and is gearing up for a second season with the Knights in the NRLW. "We have been together almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods," Aoake said. "It's good to be playing in the same place. "We do a lot of training together in the off-season. She is a lot fitter than me. She keeps me accountable on that front. "I have been helping her out with skills work. I came from a rugby league background. I was in the Warriors system for three years out of school and then transitioned to rugby. "I love watching her play, especially live. If Grace knows I'm in the stands, she pushes that litttle bit harder." The long-term partner's debuts for Newcastle were vastly different. Kukutai was concussed in a crunching tackle by Roosters and Jillaroos prop Millie Elliott in the season-opener last season, and spent most of the campaign helping the Knights' reserve-grade team make the NSW Premiership grand final Aoake, playing off the bench, scored a try with his first touch in a 27-26 triumph over Randwick last Saturday. "He literally arrived on Sunday and played the next Saturday," Kukutai said. "He only got 20 minutes, but with his first touch he scored. He's so annoying ... he's actually the most humble person." Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury at Accor Stadium on July 4. Aoake will make his run-on debut for the Wildfires at outside centre in place of Veni Vahai (shoulder) against Western Sydney at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. He will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season. "Our coach at San Diego, John Manenti was the Aussie Sevens coach and knew Darren Coleman was here at the Wildfires," Aoake said. Kukutai is enjoying the time the pair have together. "I think the Wildfires finish up in August, and who knows what will happen after that, but it's just nice for a few months," she said. "Just just having that support at home. You miss it a little bit being away from family and friends." Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost Sione Taufui (mouth) and Vahai (shoulder) to injury in consecutive weeks. "He has come from a high standard," head coach Scott Coleman said. "He is contracted to San Diego and played for Auckland in the NPC. He has good skills and a high rugby IQ." Aoake is one of three changes from the win over Randwick. Mesu Kunavuala comes in at lock for Kirk Tufuga (concussion) and Elyjah Crosswell replaces Danny Maiava (hamstring) on the side of the scrum. The Wallabies squad are based in Newcastle from Friday in the lead-up to the Test against Fiji (July 6) and will hold a meet and greet session for fans at the Wildfires' game.
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- Sydney Morning Herald
Impeccable pedigree, but Nick Champion de Crespigny will bring mongrel against Lions
Arriving at Sydney University as an economics student in 2015, Champion de Crespigny had to make a choice and plumped for the rugby club. His decision was vindicated two years later when he won the Shute Shield playing alongside Wallabies Harry Potter and Jake Gordon. After graduating, Champion de Crespigny found work in property development while trying and ultimately failing to nail down a spot with the Waratahs. An offer to play as a full-time professional in France with Castres eventually followed, and the back-rower moved to the country of his forefathers. Castres is home to just over 40,000 people, and most of them are well-acquainted with the town's rugby team. Champion de Crespigny embraced life in France, helping his new side defeat an Antoine Dupont-led Toulouse in the Top 14 semi-finals in 2022 before playing in front of 78,245 fans at the Stade de France in the final against eventual champions Montpellier. In front of a packed Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, Champion de Crespigny will face the toughest challenge of his professional career when the Force go head-to-head with the Lions in the tourists' first match on Australian soil. 'I actually reflect most days. I had the privilege of not having the most linear path to professional rugby and I really appreciate it,' Champion de Crespigny said. ' I remember labouring during the day, training at night, and studying, and then getting up at 6am to get to the gym before having to go work in the city for another day. 'I've seen the other side of life where you're trying to balance it all, so I think every single day, wow, this is amazing. This week's been a bit of a whirlwind with everything going on. But I'm starting to really get excited and sit back and go, what a journey it's been.' One of Champion de Crespigny's possible opponents on Saturday, Pierre Schoeman, is reflecting on his own unique journey to the Lions series. The prop moved from South Africa to Scotland seven years ago and qualified for his adopted country three years later. Schoeman played for South Africa's under-20s, but has now fully embraced life as part of the British and Irish Lions squad. 'Scotland is home for us, my wife and myself, I know other players as well, like Mack Hansen has made Ireland home, you embrace that, you fully take that on,' Schoeman said. Loading 'It's like the movie Outlander, you move to a different country, and now that's your house, you live there. If you work for one of the big four in finance, you get the opportunity, you're going to go for them and you can really make that home. 'But this is much different. You buy into the culture and now to represent the British and Irish Lions, you fully buy into that, you fully submerge into that, nothing else matters.'
