From Caldicott to California, what has that journey been like for you, both on and off the pitch?

My journey from Caldicott to California has been challenging, definitely not smooth sailing, but ultimately rewarding. Going to schools like Caldicott and Harrow allowed me to meet incredible people and gain valuable lessons both inside and outside the classroom, shaping me to be the person I am today. Harrow, in particular, played a crucial role in my development, not only academically but also in leadership and sports, which helped pave the way for my opportunity at Berkeley.  

What's been your proudest moment in a Cal Bears jersey so far?

My proudest moment so far was playing my first game last month. After being sidelined for seven months with a back injury, finally stepping back onto the field was an incredible feeling. Being healthy and able to play the sport I love again is something I don't take for granted, and I hope to continue building on that momentum.  

How has playing in the U.S. challenged or changed your approach to the game?

Rugby in the U.S. is quite different from the UK. The game here is much more physical and athletic, a big part of that is because a lot of players have a background in American football. This changes the style of play and forces you to adapt. Additionally, competing against fully grown men has been a major adjustment, but it pushes me to stay motivated and continue working hard to improve every day.   

Many varsity programs actively recruit players from all over the world to come and play rugby, and the sport is growing rapidly in the U.S.

The level of competition is high. It's exciting to see rugby gaining more recognition in the U.S. year by year, and with the 2031 Rugby World Cup being hosted here, I think that growth will accelerate even more. However, the professional game still has some challenges, particularly in terms of financial sustainability for players.

What's one lesson you learned at Caldicott, either on the field or in the classroom, that still sticks with you today?

Caldicott taught me many valuable lessons, but the most important one was independence. Boarding at a young age pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to take responsibility for myself. That experience helped me develop a strong sense of self-reliance, which has been invaluable in both my academic and sporting journey so far.  

If you could go back and give your 12-year-old self, one piece of rugby (or life) advice, what would it be? 

I would tell my 12-year-old self to put yourself out there as much as possible. Caldicott provided so many opportunities, and I'd encourage younger me to embrace every single one of them - whether in sports, academics, or extracurricular. Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to new experiences, skills, and you never know, sometimes even unexpected opportunities can appear from them.    

Who at Caldicott had the biggest influence on your rugby journey, and why?

Several people had a big influence on my rugby journey, but Mr. Williams and Mr. Robinson stand out the most. They coached me during my final year at Caldicott and taught me invaluable lessons that have stuck with me today. Their coaching helped shape my game, and their guidance played a key role in my development as a player. Additionally, my teammates were a huge influence - we pushed each other to improve, and many of those friendships have lasted to this day.  

What's next for you? Any further rugby ambitions, career plans, or personal goals on the horizon?

A major team goal is winning the national championship this year and in years to come, and that's something we're all working towards. Personally, I'm also focused on my academic journey, working towards my degree, developing my career network, and gaining experience through internships and work opportunities. While rugby will always be a big part of my life, I'm also looking ahead to future career opportunities beyond the sport.