Roger Tuivasa-Sheck: All Blacks call up a “dream come true” for code-switching back

Stan Wilson

The coronavirus pandemic almost spelt the end of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s rugby career due to the emotional impact on having to spend extended spells away from his family, but now the All Blacks and Blues have given him a new lease of life.

The switch from rugby league to union is a rare one but the ex-Kiwi league star wanted to achieve the greatest honour in the sport for a New Zealander: an All Blacks call-up.

While the transition is difficult for most, Tuivasa-Sheck has a leg-up in the fact that he played the 15-man game for New Zealand Schools under captain Ardie Savea – now a celebrated international.

Now with just one season of professional rugby union under his belt at the Blues, the 29-year-old centre is in line for his first international cap as New Zealand prepare to face Ireland in a three-Test series.

Back to school

“It’s exciting and quite hectic as well,” Tuivasa-Sheck told the All Blacks’ website.

“I got given a sheet with your name, times and all the things you’ve got to get through. It feels like I’m back at school, I’ve got to go through all my classes and be there on time.

“It’s been crazy. I talked to a few of the boys and I last played rugby (union) in 2011 for New Zealand Schools with Ardie Savea. He was our captain at the time as well.

“At the time, I was working out which code I wanted to play and (NRL side) Sydney Roosters offered me a professional contract straight away.

“I was lucky enough to represent the Kiwis and then move back to Auckland and play for the New Zealand Warriors.

“It wasn’t until Covid took me away from my family, and I couldn’t do three years away from my kids, so I started to look for a different chapter in life.

“My manager and my family said: ‘why don’t you give rugby (union) a go? Go back and try your luck.’ I thought I would go back, play for Auckland in the NPC and try my luck for the Blues.

“I’ve always been a fan of the Blues having grown up in Auckland, but now I’m in an All Blacks camp. These are things you don’t even write down because you think it’s too farfetched. It’s just overwhelming that I’m here.”

Despite having dipped in the world rankings since their glorious run in the 2010s, the All Blacks are still very much revered in the country.

“I grew up in New Zealand, New Zealand is known for rugby. You think about the brand of rugby and you think of the All Blacks,” Tuivasa-Sheck said.

“It’s on top of the world when it comes to rugby, that’s the pinnacle.

“You think about all those days when you get up nice and early, watch the All Blacks no matter what time of the day it is.

“The entire country is getting up to watch the All Blacks play and now I’m part of it. You sit back as a kid and say ‘one day I want to play for the All Blacks’, but to actually finally be here is a dream come true.”

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