During the Christmas holidays at the end of 2014, while most rugby players were taking a well-earned break, Paul Alo-Emile made the trek to India where he volunteered assisting under-privileged children.
Born in New Zealand but of Samoan heritage, Paul is a well-known figure within his local church community and has established himself as a leader amongst the Rebels’ Pasifika players.
As one of seven children, Paul grew up in Brisbane where he was part of the Queensland team who won the Australian Schools Rugby title in 2009. Playing for the Sunnybank Club in Brisbane’s Premier Rugby competition, Paul was also part of the Queensland Reds Academy.
He had previously been a member of the ARU’s National Talent squad and was a representative of the Australian Schoolboys in 2006.
In 2010 and 2011, he represented Australia again in the Under 20s, playing alongside Melbourne teammate, Luke Jones in the side that finished third in the Junior World Championships.
Mid way through 2010 it was announced that Paul had signed a rookie contract with the Western Force for 2011.
Without making any appearances for the Force, however, Paul made the move back East to Victoria in 2012, joining the Rebels in their second season.
With a stint for Waikato in New Zealand’s ITM Cup in 2013, Paul has since cemented his role at the Rebels, following his Super Rugby debut with the side against the Lions in round 17 of 2012.
Paul has made 16 appearances for the Rebels every season from 2013 to 2015, proving a formidable and dependable asset in the front row of the Melbourne based side.
This year has been a commendable one for Paul who, together with his Rebels teammates, had one of their most successful Super Rugby seasons to date.
In a year that saw many players keen to show off their abilities, Paul also etched the number 50 next to his name becoming just the sixth Melbourne Rebels’ player to record such a milestone.
Together with Captain Scott Higginbotham, Paul played his last game in the Rebels jersey last Friday ahead of his move to France next season.
But with the Wallabies coaching staff keen to boost Australia’s front row stocks, he was recently named in the preliminary train-on squad who will assemble in Brisbane next Monday ahead of this year’s Rugby Championship.
Alongside four of his Rebels teammates there’s no doubt the tighthead prop will be keen to continue his impressive form for a chance at this year’s highly anticipated World Cup, a dream come true for many 23-year-old front-rowers.
