By Aaron Wilson
Pono Davis hit the field with confidence and the knowledge that he had earned the right to compete alongside his teammates.
The SaberCats’ prop made his first start of the season Saturday night during a bonus point win over the Seattle Seawolves.
As the SaberCats won their eighth consecutive match, Davis did his part.
“It’s so cool to have such a competitive squad where anyone can compete week in and week out,” Christian Dyer said. “Pono earning his first start, it’s well-deserved. Everybody contributed.”
A former Southern Methodist University starting defensive tackle who earned an invitation to the Hula Bowl all-star game and was a three-time American Athletic Conference all-academic selection before playing professional football in The Spring League, Davis has adapted to the sport of rugby.
A former 300-pounder, Davis has exercised and dieted down to around 280 to 285 pounds to increase his mobility.
“I like having a little more weight on me, but, in order to be able to run around this field, you have to be a little more agile and light on your feet,” Davis said. “You train all year to be on the starting roster. To get a great win, to come out here and get that W at home, especially against a great team like Seattle, it means a lot.”
A native of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Davis is applying his strength and athleticism from his football days to the scrum.
Davis has made a smooth transition to rugby, learning the sport and adapting on the fly since joining the American Raptors, touring in Uruguay and playing in the XV Series and gaining the notice of SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer.
Davis has made a smooth transition to rugby, learning the sport and adapting on the fly since joining the American Raptors, touring in Uruguay and playing in the XV Series and gaining the notice of SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer.
To play in Major League Rugby, the premier North American professional league, shows Davis’ potential after just taking up the sport in the past two years.
“That was my first time ever playing rugby, so it’s going pretty quickly,” Davis said. “I learned and ended up getting this opportunity to play at a higher level. It’s been quite a journey.”
A former defensive tackle, a nose guard and three-technique who played 38 games for the SMU Mustangs after playing at Tyler Junior College and previously being named a Defensive Player of the Year and first-team offensive line and defensive line selection in high school, Davis was named to the Frisco Bowl all-time team.
As a senior at SMU, he recorded 30 tackles, four for losses and two sacks. He had 22 tackles, two for losses and one forced fumble as a junior.
The parallels between American football and rugby resonate with Davis whose understanding and knowledge of the game are growing quickly.
“Some of the similarities I’ve picked up on is the linemen are forwards, if you converted football players into rugby players, and the defensive linemen and offensive linemen are props, the front row and all the guys in the scrum competing for the ball,” Davis said. “You have guys on the outside that are like wide receivers in football. Then, you’ve got the nine, he’s like the quarterback. He’s the guy who sees the gap and pulls the ball. He’s like a quarterback who’s also the punter. He does everything.”
Growing up in Hawaii, Davis was a versatile athlete. That has helped him pick up rugby.
He played football, soccer, basketball, even ice hockey.
He played football, soccer, basketball, even ice hockey.
“I played everything,” Davis said. “Now, here comes rugby.”
When Davis played for the Raptors, he earned his spot after a tryout and he and the team had a strong year.
“It’s definitely exciting to be a part of this,” Davis said. “Everyone is vibing on the same level. It just feels right.”
Living and playing sports in Texas has been a comfortable feeling for Davis ever since his junior college days.
“I don’t what it was, but it’s like Texas has been calling to me,” Davis said. “I’ve been here ever since I left Hawaii, and it’s just been awesome.”
