Cooper Vuna eyes big break after working in Australian prison

(Photo: Getty Images)
By Neale Harvey
Three months after he was working in a Melbourne prison, powerhouse wing Cooper Vuna is determined to make the most of his unexpected lifeline at Bath after earning the new contract that will keep his World Cup dream with Tonga alive.
Vuna, 30, was dismayed to be released by Worcester last summer and, in the absence of firm offers from elsewhere, had resigned himself to life on Civvy Street after returning to Australia and setting his sights on a career in the police force.
However, a call from Bath boss Todd Blackadder, below, changed everything and a delighted Vuna yesterday heard that he had been offered a year’s extension to his Bath contract for the 2018-19 season.
Vuna told The Rugby Paper: “I thought I could have contributed another couple of years at Worcester after what I’d done there, but a lot of things were happening with the backroom staff and I got caught high and dry.
“Dean Ryan moved on, then Carl Hogg was in the picture before Gary Gold came in with Ed Griffiths, so quite a few of us got caught in the cross-fire and weren’t sure what was going on. I was pretty disappointed with how it all went.
“A couple of other Premiership teams were quite keen but that fell through and it’s hard not getting a new contract, so in the end I just went back to Australia and into a normal working life, which in my case meant doing prison work.”
He explained: “I’ve always wanted to join the police when I finish rugby and a mate has a company, Bridging Worx, that helps prisoners on the way out.
“I was a case officer helping people transition back into the community and you’re dealing with all kinds, those who’ve committed low level crime to people who’ve served 40 years.
“Being a copper it’s all in the line of duty so it was good for me to get that insight, but I always kept fit because I still had rugby in me and it was important I get something sorted because playing in the World Cup with Tonga is my dream.”
After joining Bath in January as injury cover for Semesa Rokoduguni, Vuna is relieved to have impressed enough to earn the extended deal.
He said: “I wasn’t really thinking I’d get something on this side of the world but as soon as Bath threw in an offer I was here in a heartbeat.
“I’ve enjoyed my two months so far and this contract extension is really good news.
“It’s an opportunity to put myself in the shop window for the World Cup, so I’ll do as much as I can.
“Tonga showed faith in me by involving me last June and November but I need to be playing regularly again now.”