Composure is the name of the game for Umaga
JACOB Umaga showed plenty of composure with his match-winning heroics for Benetton in Durban last weekend – which is rather appropriate given his business interests outside the game.
Along with team-mate and good friend Paolo Odogwu, he is the joint owner of a clothing company called Composure Club.
It’s a venture they first embarked upon when they were together at Wasps some four years ago.
“We were hanging out a lot as friends and we are both into fashion,” explains the one-cap England international.
“It was coming up to lockdown, so we thought why not give it a go. He made a T-shirt for my birthday and from there we played around with different logos and did our first drop in May 2021.
“We kind of describe it as streetwear, comfort clothing for everyone really.
“We try to spread it as much as possible and target any and all ages. We have quite a broad range of customers. It’s mainly an online business at the moment, but we do have some stuff in the club shop at the Stadio Monigo. They have been really helpful.
“The rugby is obviously our main thing. Then, when we get the time to put into the business we do that. The main goal for us was to have something to support life after rugby, to get something sorted while we are playing for when the time comes we have to hang our boots up, that we have something to fall back into.”
Having moved to Benetton after Wasps folded in 2022, utility back Umaga was then reunited with his pal Odogwu at the Italian club the following year.
“It’s been such a good signing having him here, firstly for me as a friend and a business partner, but also because he has done so well,” he said.
“He’s really provided some impact, so it’s been good to have him here.”
Umaga has just about
one of the most recognisable surnames in the game, with his father Mike having played Test rugby for Samoa and uncle Tana having captained New Zealand, amid winning 74 caps. In addition, the late, great All Blacks forward Jerry Collins was a cousin of his dad and uncle.
This summer, it will be three years since Umaga won his solitary England cap as a replacement against USA at Twickenham, meaning he will be eligible to follow in his father’s footsteps by representing the land of his grandparents, Samoa.
“The longer I’ve been away from England, the more it’s been at the forefront of my mind,” he said. “I’m just taking it step by step at the moment, but I’ll be open to playing for Samoa when I’m available.
“I think they are interested as well. It’s just in terms of timing and if I’m playing well enough to get picked. I would love to do it and, if it ever happens, I would be very grateful for that day.”
Umaga has proved a valuable member of the Benetton squad with his ability to slot in at both fly-half and full-back.
It was as a replacement fly-half that Umaga made his super-sub intervention in the URC showdown with the Sharks in Durban last Saturday.
He went over for a try three minutes from time and then held his nerve to slot the match-winning conversion in a crucial 25-24 victory for the playoff chasing visitors.
“It was a bit nervy to be fair because when I scored the try I actually landed on my knee and my leg was a little bit numb,” he reveals. “So I was kind of worrying a little bit if I was going to be alright for the kick, but I think the adrenaline got me through.”