Warmth in the Cold: Kolo Kahanu at Nelson College

06.21.2025HS Boys

Less than two months remain for the Nelson College scholarship and the three players there are nicely settled in.

For Kolomona Kahanu, this has been a special trip. As the first Polynesian player to be part of the US Rugby Foundation-funded scholarship program, Kahanu, who is from Hawai'i and now lives and plays in Provo, Utah, has found a special experience.

Warmth and Cold

"For me, there haven’t been many tough things about being here at Nelson College," Kahanu told GRR. "I really love it here and feel I fit right in."

Being Polynesian has been a bridge to being in New Zealand.

"Regular school is going really well," continued Kahanu. "I like the classes I’m taking, and my favorite class would have to be Te Reo Māori. It’s special to me because I already speak Hawaiian fluently, and Te Reo Māori is very similar. Learning the language feels familiar and meaningful, like I’m connecting with another part of my Polynesian roots.

"I do hang out with the other American boys sometimes, but I actually spend more time with the international and local students and players. I’ve built some strong friendships, and I like spending time with the boys here, learning how they do things and also sharing a bit of my own way of doing things. For example, I’ve introduced them to some of the music I listen to back home in Hawai‘i, and they’ve really gotten into it. It’s been a fun way to connect and learn from each other, and it’s helped me feel more at home."

What is tough? The weather.

"I have to say, coming from Hawai‘i, the cold weather on the field has been one of the biggest adjustments," he said. "I’m used to playing rugby in warm, tropical conditions, so stepping out into cold mornings or windy practices has definitely been a bit of a challenge. But it’s all part of the experience. And honestly, nothing I’d want to change."

Learn more about the Nelson College Scholarship and other programs offered through the US Rugby Foundation here>>

Fast Pace on the Paddock

An athletic, elusive back, Kahanu has found time playing on the various levels Nelson has. Nelson has a 1st XV and 2nd XV and also, because rugby has such a high demand at the school, two other teams that play in a school league—Nelson-Oxford and Nelson-Cambridge. there is also a U16 team and a U15 team. Kahanu has played both wing and scrumhalf for the 2nds, and he also had a leading place in the 2nd XV's Haka (see the photo above left).

Kahanu has also been playing on the Cambridge team, which recently played against Oxford in a league match—the other two Nelson College scholarship recipients, Jamie Clegg and Chuck Gehl, play for Oxford. The game, in which Kahanu played halfback, ended in a 10-10 tie (with Clegg scoring the game-tying try in the final minute). Kahanu, too, scored in this game. As the scrumhalf he wisely just followed the play and zipped out passes to his support, but, as halftime approached, he saw his chance and burned Oxford for a snipe through for a try.

Here it is:

"I really like how competitive the games are," said Kahanu. "My teammates are very skilled and smart on the field, and they’re able to keep up with a fast pace, which helps us gel as a team. I’ve learned a lot just by playing alongside them. I also really appreciate my coach. He’s patient and open to listening, which makes it easier to communicate and grow."

All three Americans have said that the pace of play is very high at Nelson—quick decision-making, contesting at the breakdown, and skill execution are all at a high level.

"The drills we do are high-intensity and fast-paced, which I enjoy," added Kahanu. "I have always been competitive with sports, and playing on high-level team like this, I’m able to fit right in."

Learn more about the Nelson Colelge Scholarship and other programs offered through the US Rugby Foundation here>>

Dorm Life

It's easy to miss the fact that while the scholarship students are in a different country, many thousands of miles away, and working to keep up at a high-level rugby school, they are also residents at the boarding house. The scholarship student-athletes who have attended Nelson (all six of them) have not been boarding students at home, so that is a major change for them.

But they have assimilated well.

"Dorm life has been really nice," said Kahanu. "I’ve made a lot of good friends from all over the world, and I hope to stay in touch with them even after I leave. One of the best parts about living in the dorms is how close everything is. The basketball court, pool table, and weight room are all nearby, so when I have free time, I just meet up with friends and hang out. I also really like that I get my own room, and I can walk from my dorm to my classes, which makes everything easy and convenient."

They're even within walking distance of a story so it's common for groups of students to make a snack run together.

And, finally, he can stay warm.

"The heaters in the dorms are great!" said the Hawai'ian. "They definitely help me stay comfortable and warm."