In the spotlight: Celebrity chat with Joe Naufahu.

2nd Chance Charlie’s Joe Naufahu is an actor and former rugby player whose television career includes roles on Games Of Thrones, Go Girls and Head High. He has two children and when he’s not on television, he runs an Auckland gym. He talks about his own second chance and why exercise plays such a big part in his life. What is your role on 2nd Chance Charlie (Three, Thursday)?

I guess I have been brought in as the conditioning coach/mentor to the boys who are coming through.

Can you recall a time in your life when you were given a second chance?

When I actually found a career after playing rugby, for me, that was a second chance. I guess when I got injured and couldn’t play footy any more, or made the decision not to play any more, that was my first chance (over).

What was your first paid acting gig?

It was a Hugh Wright’s commercial for school uniforms. I was one of the school uniform models. I had a small role on Shortland Street, as well, as a teenager. That was definitely my first sort of foray into acting.

Which rugby teams do you support these days?

I have a special place for the Crusaders because that’s where I spent a lot of my time, and I studied down in Canterbury as well. Also, obviously the Blues because it’s my home province, but it’s hard when the Blues are playing the Crusaders. I kind of sit on the fence when that game comes around. I still support the teams I played overseas with – Leicester Tigers and Glasgow Warriors in Scotland – so I have a special place for those guys as well. The number one team is obviously the All Blacks.

How many times have you played a rugby player on television?

A lot. Maybe six or seven times. I played Mils Muliaina in The Kick and Frank Bunce (in Jonah). Then I played characters who are rugby players or ex-rugby players. My character on Head High is an ex-rugby player. It’s pretty hard case.