Julian Heaven, high level rugby player

In this series, we’re meeting today Julian Heaven, a rugby player and former student at emlyon Business School, whose heart beats both for France and Australia.

Hello Julian, thank you for your time. First of all, why did you choose France?

“I’ve decided to come to France, because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and “challenge myself” both personally and professionally! Rugby has always been important in my life, and I considered France as the perfect place to continue my career in this sport, while continuing my higher studies at emlyon Business School. The opportunity to discover a new culture, to learn a new language and play with some of the best athletes in the world was a incredibly appealing idea. It was a chance to grow, not only as a rugby player, but also as a person!

I’ve decided to come to France, because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and “challenge myself”. 

What were the conditions of your arrival in France? Did you adapt easily?

I managed to contact the LOU (Lyon Olympique Universitaire) rugby club through a friend. I sent a video, we talked by email, and the Club managers were happy to take me for three months to train with the team. Then I went back to Australia, and they offered to come back to Lyon to play with their team!

At first, the language barrier was my biggest challenge, because I couldn’t speak French at the time. But I had the chance to receive a very warm welcome from a French family who provided me with all the necessary tools! They guided me through the details of everyday life in France and supported me every time I needed it. They have a special place in my heart. Not only did they help me beat all the obstacles of language and cultural differences, but they behavioured as a second family, when I was away from mine. I also had the chance to make close friends with my teammates, and classmates, and I’m still in contact with them. These relations certainly contributed to enrich my experience and made my stay far from home much easier.

Today, do you play rugby as a professional?

Yes, rugby as always been my favourite sprot, and I have the chance to play professionally in France and Australia. Representing the LOU Rugby club is an amazing experience I will never forget, and I am very grateful to all those who helped me get where I am now. After my stay in Lyon, went back to Australia, where I now play for NSW Waratah, a team I’ve been supporting since I’m six, and that I always wanted to represent. But I hope that in the future, a new opportunity will appear in Lyon or in France, so I can come back and play in the TOP 14 championship.

What about your studies?

When I arrived in France, I tried to divide my time between my studies and my sport. It was hard to balance university studies with a rigorous training programme, but it gave me precious lessons in terms of time management and determination! Even today, as a professional athlete, I continue to give an equal priority to both aspects of my life, because I know that education and personal development are as much important than success on the field.

What are you planning to do now?

My objective is to continue to progress as a rugby player and contribute to the success of my team. But I am open to opportunities that might occur, and even though I am still young, I’m determined to succeed in rugby and I want to continue playing for many years. Whether it’s in Australia or France, I hope to continue to improve and find joy in playing the sport I love. But as I said, I think it’s important to have professional training or a project besides sport. This is why I want to complete my studies in emlyon Business School and, if possible, succeed in another professional industry.

In the end, everything’s possible... So: France or Australia?

That’s a hard question. France has become my second homeland, and I created solid bonds, both in rugby and in my studies. But Australia will always have a special place in my heart. In the end, it doesn’t matter where my sport career will take me, I’ll be happy in one or the other country!