The welcome is warm. The villa nicely decorated and bathed in sun this Monday morning. Helen Faasalele, the hostess, just returned from the gym she attends every week, is welcoming, smiling and caring.
Coffee, tea, pastries and sweets are generously shared around the table which brings together the Faasalele family during meals.
The pretty brunette, with a communicative smile, evokes life with her husband Piula, the third “blood and gold” line of the USAP and their three children, the twins Teale and Yvez 14 years old, born in New Zealand and the youngest Blake, 9 years old, born in Castres.
A few hours before the kickoff of the USAP-Toulon match (at 9 p.m.), meeting with the New Zealander who opens the doors of her home to readers of L’Indépendant.
How did you meet with Piula?
I was 14… We lived in Auckland. He came to pick up my brother every morning and I didn’t find him interesting at all (laughs). Four or five years later, when I was a salesperson in a shoe store, he came to buy crampons. He saw me and asked me if I remembered him, but I had absolutely not recognized him… We exchanged our phone numbers and there we are.
Do you like it here in the department?
Yes a lot. For me, it is very important to have relationships, to be able to exchange views, in particular with other wives of players. We are alone here, without family. In each club, between the wives of French and foreign players, there is a language barrier. This is why it was essential for me to learn French. I live in France, I have to speak French.
How are your days punctuated?
I drop off Blake, the little one, at school in Théza. The older ones go by bus to the college in Saint-Cyprien. I play sports and take care of my house. When my husband has finished training, we eat together. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening, I accompany my boys to rugby training at USAP. Saturday is match day, there too I take them and I attend the matches.
What kind of daddy is Piula?
He is strict. He has a lot of rules for his children. He wants them to be respectful to people, he sets an example for them. He’s tough, but fair.
Does he cook?
(Bursts out laughing)… Not a lot. It’s me who cooks. His specialty is barbecue.
What is her favorite dish?
He likes to eat everything … and a lot. He has a slight preference for Polynesian cuisine.
Are there any flaws?
He does not speak a lot…
And of the qualities?
He is kind, generous.
Do you two go out often?
Yes all the time. Last week, we went to have lunch at Clos de Paulilles.
What program do you watch on television?
We don’t like the same things. I watch girls’ movies. He loves news and documentaries.
Do you miss the country?
I miss my family very much. I was born in New Zealand, but my heart is in the Cook Islands, where my grandparents are from. At the end of Piula’s rugby career, we will go and live there with the children.
And your integration in France, how did it go?
When we decided to leave New Zealand, it was done in three days … The twins were one year old, we arrived in La Rochelle, alone, we had no family. It was very hard the first year. We didn’t have a lot of friends. Quickly, I made friends, the wives of players had children the same age as ours. I am grateful to France because I am living my adult life here and my children are starting theirs in this country. France is my home, New Zealand is my family.
Does Piula have any hobbies?
He loves fishing and is a lover of good wines. It has some good wines.
And a phobia?
That I go, it can’t work without me (laughs) …
Are you a rugby fan?
Before meeting Piula, not at all. Now yes, of course.
Do you go to the stadium with the children?
Yes I love. The children are fans of their dad, they go to the stadium with the “blood and gold” outfit.
When your husband is lined up in the field, are you stressed out?
Oh no. Because I tell myself that if I’m stressed, he will feel it and will be too. I am his n ° 1 supporter.
How do you see the rugby season? Do you think it will be hard for the Usapists?
I leave the rugby business to my husband, it belongs to him. For my part, I like the players, the players’ wives, the club which is very family-oriented.
So on Saturday you will be at the stadium for the match against Toulon?
Yes, of course, but I’m thinking of going on my own. For children, it’s a bit late (game at 9 p.m., Editor’s note).
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