Rebels’ backrower Scott Fuglistaller doesn’t do things the easy way!
The combative back rower is known for his ability to play beyond the pain barrier and to put his team before himself on the field, and the former Wellingtonian had to work exceptionally hard to even earn a professional opportunity in Melbourne in the first place. It wasn’t until September 2012, and the age of 25, that Scott finally got his chance of a full time career in Rugby, signing a two year deal and moving to Melbourne.
“I love talking about how hard I had to work to get a professional chance,” the 28 year old chuckles down the phone.
Fuglistaller, a former New Zealand U19 representative, had played more than a half century of NPC games for Wellington in his native New Zealand as well as making his Super Rugby debut with the Highlanders prior to that chance. It’s given Scott a wonderful perspective on Rugby and his future away from the game when the time eventually comes to hang up the boots.
“I have spent my time doing labouring and tiling before I moved to Melbourne, and done my fair share of the hard graft, so having to really work to get me where I am has always reminded me how important it is to look after life outside of Rugby because you never know when it will end,” he tells RUPA.
“I completed a degree in Human Resources and Management when I was younger and then had a three year stint away from study, but in the last year I’ve jumped back into it and taken advantage of RUPA’s study grant. I am currently studying personal training and my Level Two coaching accreditation course, and really enjoying it.”
Fuglistaller has a healthy working relationship with RUPA’s Player Welfare Manager at the Rebels, Cameron Yorke.
“Cam plays a really important role off the field for me,” Scott explains. “Because I’m a little bit older than most of my teammates, he doesn’t have to necessarily convince me or try and push me into things, but instead he is my sounding board when I feel like I am ready to take something on away from Rugby.
“We discuss what I can do and what will fit into my lifestyle with Rugby and having a young family (Scott and wife Kaahuia have a young son, Mason). Cam’s been great, he has a good ear and gives good direction, and helps me sort out plans once we decide on something.”
Scott isn’t sure what field he’ll settle into when his playing days come to a close, but rather than using that as an excuse not to study he’s flipping that idea on its’ head and maximising opportunities.
“I love the aspect of HR and working with people and I’d love to look at utilising that, but talking to my wife and Cam I’ve also thought I might as well have a lot of options for when I do finish Rugby,” he explains. “That’s why I’m using my spare time now to pursue different ideas; I don’t want to put all of my eggs in one basket. I’m just trying to get as much as I can done while I have support and time.”
Switching to matters on the field, and from a Rugby perspective there’s plenty to be excited about for the boys from AAMI Park. Coming off their most successful season since joining the competition in 2011, the Rebels have added valuable International experience to their talented young squad.
“Our new recruits have fitted in seamlessly; (Wallaby) James Hanson already had a lot of friends here, and (Irish International) Jamie Hagan has come in and been one of the rocks this pre-season, completing every minute of training,” Fuglistaller says. “Culum Retallick has been a professional in New Zealand for ten years so brings plenty of experience, and then we get our All Blacks Adam Thomson and Tamati Ellison back from Japan in early February which will help give us a bit of edge.”
While the Western Force have been speaking about playing a new style of Rugby in 2016, the Rebels will make only minor adjustments to a game plan which served them fairly well last year.
“The core of how we want to play, and our core roles will be very similar, but we have a new attack coach in Leo Crowley who brings some different aspects to our setup; I’m not going to give our secrets away,” he laughs. “There will be some slight changes to our attacking style, and hopefully adding a little extra skill work and flair will be great.
“The boys just can’t wait until the first pre-season trial to put it into action, because you don’t really know how you’re tracking until you’ve played against guys who really want to hurt you!
The Rebels begin their pre-season campaign against the Blues in Auckland on February 4th.
Scott’s favourite:
•Holiday destination: Italy
•Movie: Snatch
•Rugby player: Sam Tuitupou
•Pre-match meal: Subway
You can follow Scott on Instagram here.
