One minute Iziq Foa’i was celebrating a friend’s birthday in the UAE. Less than 24 hours later he was stepping out onto the pitch in Malaysia for his adopted nation.
The gifted New Zealand teenager is awaiting the green light to head to the UK to take up a contract with Rugby League side Warrington Wolves’ academy, but he jumped at the chance to represent the UAE at the Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens Series last weekend.
Foa’i, 19, received the call last Friday. Hours later he was at the airport and the following day he was lining up alongside fellow Quin and UAE skipper Adel Al Hendi in their game against Kazakhstan.
He didn’t arrive in time to play in defeats to Malaysia and Singapore. Despite the short notice and jet-lag, Foa’i scored a try on his first outing as Roelof Kotze’s side recorded their first win of the tournament, beating the Kazakhs 24-19.
And he remains with the squad for the second leg of the Series in Hong Kong this weekend.
“I got a last minute call-up on Friday and before I knew it, literally it was three hours later, I was on the plane on the way to the tournament,” Foa’i explained.
“It was surprising, one second I was out celebrating my friend’s birthday the next I was on the plane. I was on the field within 24 hours. The boys are trying to be positive. It’s not what we wanted but it’s a stepping stone to next weekend.”
He added: “I was happy to go, it’s always a privilege to represent my adopted home.
– UAE: U20s finish distant seventh at disappointing Asia Rugby Sevens
– From Chris Henry to Quade Cooper: Rugby World Cup watch
– From Burgess to Farrell: Winners & losers from England's victory
– NZ: New knighthood offer for Richie McCaw, says New Zealand PM
“It was awesome to be involved, the boys seemed a lot more experienced and confident from December [in the last leg of the series].
As soon as the UAE’s performance manager Kotze heard Foa’i was available, he knew he had to make the call.
“The last time we spoke he was contracted to Warrington in league in England, so he told me he was not available,” said the South African coach.
“The next thing I heard was that it was not finalised yet so I said if there’s a space let’s get him.
“It would be stupid not to ask him so I said let’s get him here.”
