French rugby star returns

AN  ŌTOROHANGA boy, who became a French rugby star has retired from the game and decided to bring his family back to live in New Zealand later this year.

Toby Arnold, who rose to be the all-time top try scorer of the professional era for Lyon Olympique Universitaire Rugby (LOU), has retired following a career lasting more than 16 years.

Te Kūiti-born Toby, 36, represented the Bay of Plenty Steamers and New Zealand Sevens, before going on to play 232 times for LOU.

The King Country News caught up with the outside back this week to talk about rugby, life in France and how he and his family are feeling about making a new life in Papamoa.

Here is Toby’s story, told in his own words:

“My wife, Shelley, and I have three children. One girl, Charli, 14, who was four years old when we moved here to Lyon and two boys, Beau, 8, and Jax, 7,

Both boys were born here in Lyon. The kids, who have all become bilingual, are obviously a bit nervous, but excited at the same time to be moving back to New Zealand, the main reason being to be closer to family.

Charli definitely has moments where she would prefer to stay in France as she has been French-schooled since four years old and has a great band of friends.

She, however, understands the reasoning and is excited to be able to “pop” around to her grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins’ houses to spend some quality time.

During our time here, myself and the kids obtained French citizenship so they are always going to have the option of returning.

Charli has already mentioned a desire to possibly go to university back here in France.

As of now, we will be relocating back to Papamoa, where both my wife’s family and mine reside.

But as for work, I have not “nailed down” exactly what I am going to get into.

I have a diploma in sport and would like to continue to be involved in sport and enjoy working with the youth, but who knows what the future holds.

Also, I haven’t ruled out entirely continuing to play a little more rugby upon my return.

My wife is a beautician and is excited to get some experience in a salon when we return.

My story is I grew up in Ōtorohanga and attended Ōtorohanga College right through until I was 18 years old before moving to Tauranga for a Bay of Plenty Rugby Academy contract.

I have great memories of Ōtorohanga, I was given great sporting opportunities through the local rugby, soccer and cricket clubs. I loved the tight-knit community feel and continue to have great links back to the town through friends.

I lived in Tauranga from 2006-2013 representing Bay of Plenty Steamers and NZ Sevens, winning a Commonwealth gold in Delhi in 2010 before needing two operations due to a torn ACL in my left knee in 2011.

This injury prevented me from playing rugby for 20 months, but during this period I met the newly-appointed rugby coach of LOU Rugby here in France.

Through a few conversations, I eventually received a two-year contract from July 2013, so made the very difficult decision to leave New Zealand and set out on a new adventure of living in France.

Initially, I was thinking I would eventually return to compete to make the New Zealand Sevens team again. But here I am, still here, more than 10 years later. I recently finished my journey as a player with LOU Rugby, but am still living here in Lyon.

Obviously, as a young Kiwi kid I always dreamed of becoming an All Black and was obsessed with the game growing up.

I didn’t quite make that dream come true, but am truly grateful for the whole experience, especially my time here in Lyon, which will continue to feel like home to me and my family for a long time to come.

I’ve had the chance to play alongside so many greats, including Sebastian Chabal, and made many life-long friendships with fellow players, staff and just people I have come across in the rugby community over here.

I’m very proud to be the first and only current foreigner to be in the ‘Loup d’or’ Club, for players playing over 200 games for the club and currently hold the record for most tries scored for the club (75).

I played my last match for the club in November and was truly taken aback by all the effort the club and everyone went to make sure it was an unforgettable experience for me.

Unfortunately, we lost the match, but it was still a day to remember. Obviously, an emotional day/week with a lot of nostalgia as so many great things have happened here over the past 10 years.

As for any advice for Kiwis travelling through France or even getting the chance to live here for a while, a simple “bonjour” will go a long way.

Don’t expect to master the language quickly, as it is very complicated. It took me three years to be comfortable and I am still learning new words/phrases daily.

I also can’t shake my Kiwi accent when speaking and I know I never will.

Also, learn to embrace the slower pace, as frustrating as it can be when trying to get things done. Embrace that glass of vin rouge with your daily two-hour lunch break.

As for other young kids with dreams today, belief and determination will get you there, but be prepared for “speed bumps” along the way.

There will always be tests and people who don’t have the same belief as you do.
I remember thinking my rugby dreams were over at 12 years old when I failed to gain selection for the local Roller Mills team, a real dagger (in the heart), but I think moments like this just sparked my determination even further.