The stocky Wallisian build is ideal for the position of prop forward (they form a minority community in New Caledonia). When the first choice of sports talent scout Abraham (Laurent Pakihivatau) is arrested he plucks Soane (Toki Pilioko) off the field and offers him a position on a French mainland team. Unlike in most sports dramas, Soane doesn't seem driven to turn pro.
This unexpected opportunity would take him a world away from the tropical vistas of his low-key island home. Soane is tempted but says his father, Léoné (Petelo Sealeu, riveting), will object.Léoné, a tough buzzard who keeps his rifle handy, objects alright. When Soane announces that he's leaving anyway, fierce disciplinarian dad gives him a vicious, scarifying, whipping with an electrical cord, holds a religious ceremony and farewell feast, then declares his son dead and chases him off his property.
When Soane arrives in France, the local rugby team official takes one look, deems him too short and 20 kilos too light and advises Soane to fly right back where he came from. That's not an option.
This unexpected opportunity would take him a world away from the tropical vistas of his low-key island home. Soane is tempted but says his father, Léoné (Petelo Sealeu, riveting), will object.Léoné, a tough buzzard who keeps his rifle handy, objects alright. When Soane announces that he's leaving anyway, fierce disciplinarian dad gives him a vicious, scarifying, whipping with an electrical cord, holds a religious ceremony and farewell feast, then declares his son dead and chases him off his property.
When Soane arrives in France, the local rugby team official takes one look, deems him too short and 20 kilos too light and advises Soane to fly right back where he came from. That's not an option.