Au Revoir France: Schwalger Is Back

John Schwalger playing for the Wellington Lions in last year’s ITM Cup. With almost a decade of experience at the top, the Hurricanes have welcomed him?back?to Super Rugby after spending most of?the previous?three seasons playing in France.

?John Schwalger is back in New Zealand and raring to go in the looming Investec Super Rugby season for 2014.

He began playing for the Hurricanes in 2006, the one and only year the franchise has made the final, and has amassed 78 caps for the black and gold and will look to use that experience to guide the younger boys around the paddock in 2014.

After the 2011 Rugby World Cup Schwalger left our shores to pursue an opportunity with French Top 14 side Agen, a club with a rich and proud history of over a century. Unfortunately for Agen their most recent championship came in 1988.

The club fostered the careers of greats such as Phillipe Sella and Aaron Persico and even Kees Meeuws and Rupeni Caucaunibuca in their twilight.

Schwalger speaks volumes about both his rugby and life experiences he was able to share with his family abroad in the southwest of France.

"The lifestyle was more family orientated. The time you have away from rugby was great to spend time with your family flying to different places in a short space of time."

The rugby wasn’t what he was used to but the formidable front rower did not take long to find his feet in the top 14.

"It is more physical. Actually way more physical. It’s a very forward-orientated game but here it’s faster."

"I’ve tried to bring a bit of that physicality to the Lions and Hurricanes setup to help grow our forward pack."

Not only was the rugby and lifestyle great for Schwalger but he was able to spend time and play with other expat New Zealanders in France.

"I played a bit with Sivivatu, Neemia Tialata and Sione Lauaki so that was great to be able to catch up with those kind of guys."

Luckily for Wellington and the wider franchise the opportunity to return to the windy city became a reality in 2013. He returned to play the last two games of the Hurricanes season against the Highlanders and Crusaders and then played a full campaign for the Lions in the ITM Cup.

"It was always an option to come back and play for the Hurricanes. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity back with the Hurricanes and I really wanted to get back and play New Zealand rugby."

"It is great to be back but I do miss the French life. If I’m lucky enough to get another opportunity like that again it would be hard to pass up."

Not a lot has changed for the seasoned veteran back at headquarters except perhaps the fact he is now a strong leader in the team despite palming that remark off. He is a humble man but has a lot of experience to offer the younger crop rising the ranks.

"The only difference is that the players are getting younger and it is even more professional than when I left."

"Growing up I’ve always tried to teach what I’ve learnt. So I’m more than happy to help the younger guys if they want it. I have a lot of respect for Reggie (Goodes) and I’ve been mentoring him for some time."

By no means is he giving up his starting role in the team however. He is hungry to tear into the season, a hunger we will see at Kings Park in Durban on 22 February when the ‘Canes kick off their campaign with the gruelling SA tour. Perhaps a great time to get it out of the way early in the season.

"I didn’t come back to make numbers I’m here to push myself and lead if I can."

"We need to be able to match the likes of the Crusaders and Chiefs, particularly in the forward pack."

"We want to make history, make the right decisions, and be the first Hurricanes team to achieve what we’ve always been after."

It is imperative, historically, that the Hurricanes begin well as frontrunners in the competition.

"In 2006 we started very well and made the final so starting the season off well will be a huge help."

The height of John Schwalger‘s career so far came not long after the 2007 Super Rugby campaign where he was selected to play for the All Blacks. A dream of any young player.

"Seeing the likes of Rodney (So’oialo) and Jerry (Collins) reach the All Black height was great and really helped the goal seem more realistic for me to get."

A proud Northern United stalwart is itching for some time back in the club scene as well.

"It’s a strong club and a lot of the players have stayed in the region. The club is rebuilding at the moment but there are some great young players coming through."

"If I get the thumbs up to have a run in the jersey then I definitely will. I always love helping out the club where I can".

Schwalger enjoys an array of other sports and values his family time away from the game.

"I follow NFL and NBA but right now I’m enjoying seeing who can hit the biggest six in the cricket."

John Schwalger is certainly somebody who his teammates will follow into the trenches, leading the way, in 2014.