Hands On! with Shalom Suniula

After being a fixture on the USA 7s team for years, Shalom Suniula successfully made the jump to the Eagles’ 15s roster in 2014. Born in American Samoa, Suniula has been capped six times for the Eagles and has made 42 appearances on the USA 7s team. One of the players that has sights set on a Rugby World Cup roster spot, Suniula is a versatile back that can play both scrumhalf and flyhalf. The twenty-seven year old Suniula plays domestically for the Seattle Saracens.

Americas Rugby News had the opportunity to catch up with Suniula this past week.

What’s you favorite part of Eagle assemblies?

Favorite part of Eagle assemblies would have to be Jersey ceremonies and match day mornings. Game day excitement never gets old.

In the past couple of years you’ve played both flyhalf and scrumhalf. The competition for World Cup roster spots is going to be intense. Do you know if they plan to continue to use you in that dual role or will you be working primarily at one position in the upcoming camp?

I always enter camp with focusing on a certain position, but it always changed and I end up floating in-between. Now I tend to prepare for either and anticipate floating around between the two.

How do you think the Eagles will fare this Summer and at the World Cup?

This Summer will be a great indicator to see how we do at the RWC. The fixtures ahead will be tough but with much needed time together as a unit it’ll be a great lead up towards the RWC campaign. I’m confident in our ability to get on the right end of the scoreboard if our preparations go as well as planned.

If you had to choose one Eagles match in the next few months to play in, which one would it be?

Tough question, but I would toss up between Samoa in San Jose and the Wallabies match at Soldier Field. Both countries played a big part in my development in Rugby and it certainly would make for good memories squaring off against some of my friends/heroes.

Who do you rate to win the World Cup this year? Why?

I think the depth and talent of the All Black’s will give them a solid chance. England on home soil gives them advantage too. However, I do sense a few upsets this year though. Eagles to make quarters, who knows.

You’ve had more playing time in 15s at the National Team level of late, but still remain in contention to make the 7s side. Any plans to make a run at making the Olympics for 2016?

I do have plans to shift my focus back to 7s once RWC commitments are over. 7s has played an intricate part in my time in an Eagles Jersey, but for now I have a job to do this summer.

Your brother is also in camp with the Eagles. How important is it to have a family member to share this experience with?

Having my brother with me in the team playing together is something not many Eagles, let alone any international player can say. Therefor I don’t ever take these moments for granted and make sure they’re filled with hard-work, joy and laughter.

What’s your favorite post-match ritual?

Favorite post match ritual would be immediately giving thanks to the Lord above for blessing me with another opportunity to play Rugby win or lose.

What advice would you give a young player with aspirations to play at the elite level?

My advice would be that you take a look at your top five friends that you hang out the most with, now if their goals and aspirations aren’t the same as yours or they’re not heading the same direction you are then I strongly recommend you modify that.

Who is the toughest player that you’ve ever played with or against?

Toughest player I have played with is Paul Emerick, dude’s crazy!

Thanks Shalom!

follow Shalom Suniula on twitter @ShalomSuniula