Joseph says sayonara to Nelson

In just his first year playing, Joseph Domoni has won some of the most coveted trophies in New Zealand secondary school rugby and capped it off with a scholarship to Japan.

At the beginning of 2021, Joseph admits he could barely pass a rugby ball properly after his friends convinced him to join the 1^st XV.

“I played for fun at school but never a proper season, more of my mates were in the 1^stXV so I thought I would give it a crack.”

Now, the softly spoken young man has his next four years secured, after he was awarded a scholarship to study and play at Daito Bunka University in Tokyo.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for the 18-year-old, who was planning to stay in Nelson and work as a barber before the life changing opportunity presented itself.

“I’m not too sure how it works with studying or if I’m just playing, all I know is I’m going over there to play rugby and that sounds good to me.”

Joseph has enjoyed a highly prosperous rookie year, with his Nelson College side winning the Crusaders Schools and South Island championships.

“For my first proper season, I was pretty happy about that.”

The hulking yet humble lock says he learnt a lot in his debut year.

“I had no idea how to jump in the lineout when I started but ended up figuring it out.”

Of course, some skills came very naturally to the 6’5”, 98kg teenager.

“Running the ball was easy for me though.”

He says he is undecided on his future but has considered the possibility of one day pulling on the Brave Blossoms jersey of Japan.

“It is something I’ve thought about but if I had the opportunity I’ve always wanted to play for New Zealand or Fiji.”

Born in Aotearoa, Joseph would qualify for the Fijian side through his parents.

He admits he will miss Nelson.

“I love Nelson, I would love to come back and play footy for the Mako one day.”

Joseph says the fact he is moving to Japan is still sinking in.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet but once I’m on the plane I’m sure it will.”

He will depart the country in March or April of next year.

Joseph is embracing the upcoming culture change, with his knowledge of the language currently limited to ‘konichiwa’ and ‘domo arigato.’

“I know they have really good food and really nice people, and I like anime so have a connection there.”