We are excited to be welcoming Max Nelson to the clan this season! NZ-born Samoan, Max joins us from Northern Suburbs in the Australian Shute Shield, and has played both codes of rugby.
Position: Tight Head Prop
Nationality/heritage: NZ born Samoan
Nickname: Fridge
Favourite rugby player: Jonah Lomu
Interesting fact: I used to be a winger
Can you tell us a bit about your rugby journey/background to date? (How you started playing and which clubs you’ve played for etc…)
My mum and dad signed me up to play for Otahuhu RFC aged 7 until U16, then played for my school’s 2nd XV. After school I played U19 for Papatoetoe RFC, then moved from Auckland to Timaru to play for Timaru Harlequins Prems for a season, before moving back home. I played in a local Tongan competition where I was scouted and offered an opportunity to play in Australia, where I’ve been playing the past nine years. I started in Newcastle for Mayfield East Rugby, then made the move to Dubbo winning a championship with the Dubbo Kangaroos in 2014, then signing a league contract with Orange Eagles, but didn’t follow through as I was more focused on Union. Again, I played in a Tongan rugby competition held in Sydney and from there signed-on to play with Penrith Emus in the Shute Shield. After spending two years there I made the decision to test myself, so I followed my mate who made the move from Emus to Northern Suburbs RFC and been there from 2017-2021.
What are your hobbies / interests outside of rugby and what do you do work?
I’m a 4th year apprentice plumber and I’m a chilled person so you’ll catch me a lot being a homebody watching movies or listening to music.
If you weren’t a rugby player, which other sport/s would you play?
Volleyball or boxing
What are you looking forward to most about life in Hong Kong and playing for Hong Kong Scottish
Winning the Championship
What should we expect from you next season (on and off the pitch)?
Laughter, new energy, positive vibes
Do you have any hidden talents…?
I can’t sing, but I can harmonise
What’s your favourite pre-match song?
M.A.A.D City – Kendrick Lamar
