Tonga international Fetuli Paea looks forward to Shelford stay

Winger relishing Davey Field spell

Swapping international rugby for the National League is not what would be considered the natural career progression, but for Fetuli Paea it is all a vital learning curve.

The 22-year-old winger made his debut for Shelford in their 45-17 defeat to Wimbledon last weekend, marking the first of what is hoped will be a successful six months.

Paea arrived at Shelford through his friendship with club favourite Aki Lea, and it came after touring Europe with Tonga, when he made his international debut against Spain in a 28-13 win.

“I was surprised to be selected in the team, and I was excited,” said Paea. “I was in New Zealand for the last five years but went back to Tonga this year (with Sila Pelu Ua) and just got picked.

“I was always looking to play and after the tour, Aki talked to me and I came straight here.

“When I came with the tour, I kept writing on Facebook and then he asked me if I wanted to come here to play so I just took the opportunity.

“He told me that they would treat me good and help me out. He said they liked how I was playing for the national team and that I thought it would be a bit easier at Shelford.

“The next matches (with Tonga) are in May or June so I will go back then to get ready for that. I will just look to build my experience, skills and fitness up.”

The match against Wimbledon was Paea’s first experience of rugby in this country, and it served as a bit of a shock to the system given the deluge throughout the game.

“It was alright, although it was raining hard, but hopefully it won’t rain this weekend,” he said. “I think it’s the same (style of rugby) a bit like how I’m playing in the national team – it’s more easier than the national team though.”

It was not the easiest of games for Paea to make his Shelford debut, as Wimbledon are the league leaders.

The hosts’ habit of conceding early tries was repeated as they trailed 14-0 after 10 minutes, and despite having a fair share of the possession, they could not make inroads into a well-organised Wimbledon defence.

The visitors’ half-backs controlled the game, and their supremacy was reflected by a 31-0 lead at half time.

In the second half, Shelford earned tries from Lea and Mike Gillick, who scored a 60m solo effort.

But the bad news for Shelford was a head injury suffered by Simon Hrbek, which will rule the full-back out for at least three weeks.

Shelford are away to Colchester this Saturday.