Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Chiefs lock a viral sensation with post-match sideline interview

Naitoa Ah Kuoi cracks up the Stan Sport panel Credit: Stan Sport

Chiefs lock Naitoa Ah Kuoi has become an internet sensation after delivering an iconic post-match interview in the wake of his side’s 33-30 win over the Melbourne Rebels.

ADVERTISEMENT

The fundamentally authentic appearance which Ah Kuoi gave viewers of himself has strengthened his fanbase and all began when he was told on Stan Sport Rugby that he was the player of the match.

“Oh yeah, interesting. That was ugly but we’re happy to take the win,” he said. “It’s always tough coming on tour and facing a good side. We’ll take it.”

Video Spacer

The Breakdown | Episode 12 | Sky Sport NZ

Video Spacer

The Breakdown | Episode 12 | Sky Sport NZ

He was swiftly asked about his colourfully painted nails, to which he responded: “Me and mumsy went on a little date night, it was her birthday. It’s a bit of a Rasta thing.”

The conversation then turned to what he was listening to pre-game when he appeared on the field, barefoot, with sunglasses on.

“A bit of Fleetwood Mac and a bit of House of Shem.”

In an attempt to turn the interview back to rugby matters, Ah Kuoi began explaining his approach to being a second row.

“There are a lot of good locks in our ranks so when I get the opportunity to play, I’ve just got to come and do my thing. I like to be elusive and throw in a bit of footwork. I don’t want to get smoked too many times.”

ADVERTISEMENT

After a poor showing last season, the Australian teams are bouncing back, making the Chiefs’ bid to return to the Super Rugby knockout stages that bit harder.

“These guys are fronting up. The Brumbies  and Reds are good sides. The Rebels took us to the end and we had to dig deep.

“We don’t want be complacent. We want to make sure every week we’re ticking it off and building towards a home quarter final.

“For me I just keep it relaxed, loosey goosey, with a bit of reggae.”

ADVERTISEMENT

LIVE

{{item.title}}

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

1 Comment
l
louis 923 days ago

Brilliant...instead of the usual "yeah/nah

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

G
GD.Spear 14 minutes ago
Men's 15s World Player of the Year was only a two horse race

Silly goose you are Benjamin..


“Lock Eben Etzebeth at the tail end of his international career is nowhere near the best player on the planet.”


This has to be the most outrageous comment of 2024.


Ben Smith and rugby IQ have no right to be in the same sentence.

13 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones Why England's defence of the realm has crumbled without Felix Jones
Search