Joe Jonas, a rough diamond in rugby

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!