Tatafu Polota-Nau preparing for life post rugby in IT, but still has plenty to offer on field

IN one realm, Tatafu Polota-Nau is a rugby warrior. In the other, he designs IT databases, and could code the laptop you may be reading this on.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 01: Tatafu Polota-Nau of the Waratahs (L) and team mates look on during a Waratahs Super Rugby training session at Kippax Lake on May 1, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

IN the two worlds of Tatafu Polota-Nau, if you’re standing still you get left behind.

In one realm, Polota-Nau is a fearless rugby warrior, a kamikaze style tackler with no sense of self preservation who leaves opposition players - and sometimes himself - sprawled across the ground.

In the other, he designs IT databases for companies, and could code the laptop you may be reading this on.

In both pursuits, Polota-Nau has understood the importance of evolution and adaptability.

In rugby, he has modified parts of his game to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

And in his studies?

“When I first started IT, the language was C plus, which you had to code in, but now it’s become obsolete,” Polota-Nau said.

“The good and bad thing about IT is that it lasts for a certain time, it always gets updated every three or four years.

“Now most programs are working off JavaScript.

“One of the sponsors got me on board to help them out.

“What they did is design databases for certain companies, you want certain structures in how you store your information but also how it’s represented.News_Rich_Media: The Waratahs insist their impressive record against the Lions will account for nothing when the two sides clash at Allianz Stadium on Sunday as the hosts look to propel themselves into finals contention.

“You can do that anywhere you log online, that was the company’s specialty, on-time database upload. You had to have people there to set up the structures.”

Polota-Nau’s understanding of the constantly moving IT world led him to move in a completely new direction. He has now started a Master of Business Administration degree, and views that industry as his destination post rugby.

“The premise was that, because IT keeps updating itself, why not study something that has more solid foundations, and transitions between work and family,” Polota-Nau said.

While there is no prototype personality for footballers, Polota-Nau is about as far from the stereotype of a burly, afro-sporting front rower as you can get.

At 28, the Waratahs and Wallabies hooker has recently been pondering the social impact of IT’s advances.

“I remember when having a Sony walkman was a big deal, and now everyone is walking around with iPods and androids,” he said.

“I don’t like where it’s heading in terms of social media, everyone is talking with their phones, heads down, rather than good old story-telling.

“It’s great that people can communicate globally, but when you’re down the road you should put your phone away and talk face to face.

“It’s amazing how social skills get diluted, particularly in schools. Kids would rather know what their mate is doing down the road than what is in front of them.News_Rich_Media: Israel Folau says claiming back-to-back wins for just the second time this season is a key objective when the Waratahs take on the Lions this weekend, looking to make a strong push towards the finals.

“They should ban all use of phones in classrooms, it shouldn’t get in the way of human interaction between teacher and student.

“They’ll find out when they get to my age, being the old fart that I am, that it's one of the most important tools. Going for job applications, it’s about how you present yourself and how you can converse with people.”

Polota-Nau became intrigued by technology through his uncle, an electrical engineer.

Since becoming entrenched in the professional rugby environment, he has become aware of how the game can open channels for him, not just when he’s churning through grass.

“There’s more to life than rugby, but it’s important to me now,” Polota-Nau said.

“It opens up avenues in other areas of life. If there is any skill I’ve picked up, it is adapting on the run, because every opposition is not going to be the same in the way they attack and defend.”

Next on the hit list for Polota-Nau is the Lions, on Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium.

The Waratahs are undefeated at home in 2014 and have recorded 10 straight victories over the visiting South African franchise.

“They’re really good to sticking to their strengths, which is their mauling,” Polota-Nau said.

“Kick it out, maul it up, get another penalty from that. That’s definitely one of the areas we’re preparing for.”

With this Super Rugby season shaping as the closest in history for finals berths, and the Waratahs showing more promise than they have in years, standing still is not an option.