Toomaga-Allen takes the adventure trail to Wasps
KIWI tighthead Jeff Toomaga-Allen has revealed how he gave up his All Blacks’ dream to see the world and help fire Wasps back into the play-offs.
Capped by New Zealand against Japan in 2013, Toomaga-Allen was a Super Rugby winner with the Hurricanes in 2016 and remained a consistent performer, but failed to add to his lone Test appearance despite being selected for numerous squads.
Injuries conspired against him and, after missing out on last November’s European tour, the adventurous 28-year-old concluded it was time to move.
“It was a big decision but I had to draw the line and, with not making last year’s tour, it kind of put things in perspective for me,” Toomaga-Allen explained.
“I had good discussions with my wife. Our son’s two-years-old now, so we can build a bit of a future here and just see the world. I wanted to show my family what I’ve seen when I’ve travelled with the All Blacks and do a bit more exploring myself.
“It’s hard giving up your dream of playing for the All Blacks. I was so close to winning a second cap on a number of occasions but my decision is made and I look back at what I accomplished in New Zealand rugby with pride.
“I played over 100 games for the Hurricanes, made history by helping to win our first championship and I played for the All Blacks. I accomplished what I needed to and it’s the right time for something new.”
Something new involves helping to restore Wasps to a top four place after a disappointing 2018/19 season, and Toomaga-Allen has plenty of familiar Kiwi faces around to help that process after making his voyage to the Premiership.
He said: “It’s made the transition easy with having guys like Brad Shields, Lima Sopoaga, Malakai Fekitoa and Jimmy Gopperth here. I played at school with Lima and was at the Hurricanes with Brad, and it’s exciting to be linking with guys like Malakai and Jimmy, who was someone I admired at the ‘Canes growing up.
“They’ve been giving me the heads-up on where to go, what to do and playingwise they’ve told me to expect things to be a lot more physical up front. It’s quite traditional in terms of set-piece compared to Super Rugby, but from watching on TV I have noticed a change of style in the Premiership in recent years and games are becoming a bit more open. We’ve got plenty of internationals and some pretty exciting backs, so if us forwards can get them good ball, look out!”
Wasps are desperate to return to Europe’s top table after missing out on Champions Cup qualification and Toomaga-Allen added: “We’re already building a lot of pride in the jersey and that’s just coming from the commitment everyone’s showing so far.”
While best mate Shields has suffered World Cup heartache after an ankle ligament injury ruled him out of England’s warm-up matches and squad selection, Toomaga-Allen expects his former captain at the Hurricanes to enjoy a huge season for Wasps.
He added: “Brad’s in a great mental state. It’s been tough for him with the injury and what happened with England, but he couldn’t control that and he’s still a happy lad around his family and the club.
“I know he’ll bounce back even stronger. He was my leader and captain back home in Wellington, so I’ve always had huge respect for him on and off the field.
“He’ll want to do really well for Wasps and get himself back into the England frame.”
Meanwhile, Toomaga-Allen says New Zealand’s crushing 36-0 win over Australia last weekend was a timely reminder that they remain in good shape to retain the World Cup.
“What a way to respond last week,” Toomaga-Allen said. “If you look at the history of the All Blacks, no New Zealand team is ever going to lie down after the hiding they got in Australia the other week.
“They’ll just look to build from game one, hopefully all the way to the final.”