Joe Jonas, a rough diamond in rugby

22 août 2024 Affaires
Publié par France Alumni INDIA
Vue 11 fois

For the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, Campus France gives the mic to student sportspersons or international alumni. A miniseries of interview to follow president Macron’s statement that “sport will make us proud”, proud to train in France high-level sportspersons from all backgrounds.

This week, we an interview with South African Joe Jonas, 23 years old, a professional rugby player and student in management, seen by the press as a “rough diamond”, a “highly sought-after player”, a “flexible back with sharp sidesteps, able to play in any back position”!

  

Hi, Joe, how did you end up in France, and why?

 

I came to France to play rugby. For my studies too, but mostly to play rugby! I was born in South Africa, in a small town near Cape Town where I’ve been playing rugby since I was a child. I was spotted by a recruiter, and the Glenwood High School offered me a scholarship grant. This is how I managed to register in a good school and play rugby in a sports-study course. After my studies, I had already made up my mind: I would go to France to make a living with rugby. In 2020, I signed with the Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, a club that offered me this unique experience to discover France and make a living out of my passion, rugby.

 

And besides your passion?

 

When I arrived in France, I couldn’t speak a word of French. I attended a class for two years thanks to a training centre in the Biarritz Olympique club. So I was able to train while attending French classes. Today, I have a better level, and I managed to register in a management school, emlyon Business School, in which I am registered for remote classes in first year of bachelor course, in a programme specifically designed for high-level athletes.

 

" I was able to register in a management school, emlyon Business School, in which I am registered for remote classes in first year of bachelor course, in a programme specifically designed for high-level athletes."


 

How do you see the next stage of your career?

 

We’ll see! In a few weeks, I will have to make a critical choice in my career as a rugby player. To stay or not to stay in Biarritz, staying in France or leaving, I’ve been wondering for a time... But I really like France, and I’d like to stay here. (Note: Since this interview, Joe Jonas has signed a contract with the Stade Français for the 2024-2025 season)

 

What about your studies?

 

The advantage of attending a training in management, is that it is an open training, open to sport and sport networks. With this type of training and degree, I think I will always find career opportunities in relation with my sport passion. And it’s an important background!

 

Do you have a dream?

 

To continue playing rugby. Next year, the objective is play again in the TOP 14 championship, the best championship in the world, I think. But my ultimate goal is to enter the French national team!




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