Joe Jonas, a rough diamond in rugby
For the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024, Campus France gives the mic to student sportspersons or international alumni. A miniseries of interview to follow president Macron’s statement that “sport will make us proud”, proud to train in France high-level sportspersons from all backgrounds.
This week, we an interview with South African Joe Jonas, 23 years old, a professional rugby player and student in management, seen by the press as a “rough diamond”, a “highly sought-after player”, a “flexible back with sharp sidesteps, able to play in any back position”!
Hi, Joe, how did you end up in France, and why?
I came to France to play rugby. For my studies too, but mostly to play rugby! I was born in South Africa, in a small town near Cape Town where I’ve been playing rugby since I was a child. I was spotted by a recruiter, and the Glenwood High School offered me a scholarship grant. This is how I managed to register in a good school and play rugby in a sports-study course. After my studies, I had already made up my mind: I would go to France to make a living with rugby. In 2020, I signed with the Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, a club that offered me this unique experience to discover France and make a living out of my passion, rugby.
And besides your passion?
When I arrived in France, I couldn’t speak a word of French. I attended a class for two years thanks to a training centre in the Biarritz Olympique club. So I was able to train while attending French classes. Today, I have a better level, and I managed to register in a management school, emlyon Business School, in which I am registered for remote classes in first year of bachelor course, in a programme specifically designed for high-level athletes.
I was able to register in a management school, emlyon Business School, in which I am registered for remote classes in first year of bachelor course, in a programme specifically designed for high-level athletes.
How do you see the next stage of your career?
We’ll see! In a few weeks, I will have to make a critical choice in my career as a rugby player. To stay or not to stay in Biarritz, staying in France or leaving, I’ve been wondering for a time... But I really like France, and I’d like to stay here. (Note: Since this interview, Joe Jonas has signed a contract with the Stade Français for the 2024-2025 season)
What about your studies?
The advantage of attending a training in management, is that it is an open training, open to sport and sport networks. With this type of training and degree, I think I will always find career opportunities in relation with my sport passion. And it’s an important background!
Do you have a dream?
To continue playing rugby. Next year, the objective is play again in the TOP 14 championship, the best championship in the world, I think. But my ultimate goal is to enter the French national team!
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