Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets

The New York Jets made headlines this week with a unique addition to their practice squad: former rugby union star Joe Manu, a 26-year-old winger who spent five seasons with New Zealand’s Auckland Blues and represented his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The signing marks the Jets’ latest foray into cross-sport talent recruitment, following the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPP) trend of leveraging rugby players’ athleticism—speed, physicality, and endurance—for positions like special teams, tight end, or defensive back. Manu, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 225 pounds, clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash during a private workout with the Jets last month, catching the eye of general manager Joe Douglas and special teams coordinator Brant Boyer. Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets details Manu’s rugby career, his transition to the NFL, the Jets’ plan for his development, and how his unique skill set could benefit the team down the line.

Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets first delves into Manu’s standout rugby career, which laid the groundwork for his NFL opportunity. As a winger in rugby union—one of the sport’s most dynamic positions—Manu specialized in breaking tackles, outrunning defenders, and scoring tries (touchdown equivalents) in open space. During his time with the Auckland Blues, he recorded 32 tries in 65 matches, earning a reputation for his 6-foot-8 wingspan (ideal for catching) and ability to absorb contact while maintaining speed. At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, he helped New Zealand reach the semifinals, scoring a crucial try in a 40-17 win over Italy. Manu’s interest in the NFL began last year, when he worked with former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson to refine his route-running and catching technique. “Rugby and football share a lot—you need speed, strength, and the ability to make quick decisions,” Manu said in a recent interview. “I’ve always admired the NFL, and when the Jets reached out, it was a dream come true. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work.” The Jets’ scouting department first noticed Manu during a global talent showcase, where his combination of size and speed stood out among other international prospects.

To understand why the Jets pursued Manu, Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets highlights the team’s strategy of targeting cross-sport athletes for special teams and positional depth. Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer has long advocated for signing rugby players, as their experience in high-speed, physical coverage drills (similar to rugby’s “tackle-and-cover” phases) translates directly to kickoff and punt coverage. Manu’s 4.45 40-yard dash speed and 225-pound frame make him an ideal candidate for a “gunner” role—sprinting downfield to disrupt returners—or a coverage linebacker on special teams. The Jets also see long-term potential for Manu at tight end, where his size and catching ability could complement starters Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah. “Joe’s athleticism is off the charts,” Boyer said. “He has the speed to beat coverage on special teams and the hands to contribute on offense. Our goal is to develop him slowly—start with special teams reps, then introduce him to offensive concepts—so he can grow into a valuable contributor.” The Jets aren’t the first NFL team to sign a rugby star; the Philadelphia Eagles signed former rugby league player Jordan Mailata in 2018, and he’s since become their starting left tackle—a success story the Jets hope to replicate.

Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets also details the Jets’ plan for Manu’s development on the practice squad. Manu will work closely with Boyer and wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, focusing on three key areas: learning NFL rules (e.g., offsides, pass interference), refining his tackling technique (rugby tackles focus on wrapping legs, while NFL tackles emphasize stopping forward momentum), and improving his route precision. The Jets have also assigned veteran special teams ace Justin Hardee to mentor Manu, helping him adjust to the NFL’s culture and workload. For the New York Jets, the practice squad provides a low-risk environment to develop Manu—they won’t have to expose him to waivers if they want to keep him long-term, and he can learn from active-roster players without taking game reps prematurely. “We’re not rushing Joe,” Douglas said. “The practice squad is where he’ll build a foundation. He’ll attend all meetings, practice with the team, and get reps in scout team drills to simulate game situations. Our goal is to have him ready to contribute on special teams by next season, but if an opportunity arises this year, we’ll be prepared.” Manu’s first week with the Jets included film sessions, on-field drills, and one-on-one work with Hardee on coverage assignments—a crash course in NFL football.

Another layer of Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets is the fan and media reaction to the signing, which has generated excitement around the team. Jets fans took to social media to share highlights of Manu’s rugby career, with many comparing his playing style to former Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (known for his size and catch radius). Local media outlets have dubbed Manu “the Rugby Jet,” and the team’s social media account shared a video of Manu’s first practice reps, which garnered over 200,000 views in 48 hours. For the New York Jets, the signing isn’t just about talent—it’s about generating buzz around a team that’s fighting for a playoff spot. “Joe’s story is inspiring,” head coach Robert Saleh said. “He’s a guy who’s worked his way up from rugby to the NFL, and that’s the kind of grit we want to represent our franchise. The fan reaction has been awesome, and it’s a reminder of why we love this sport—anything is possible with hard work.” Manu has also embraced the attention, saying, “The fans have been so welcoming. It makes me want to work even harder to earn their trust. I want to be more than just ‘the rugby guy’—I want to be a Jet who helps the team win.”

Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets also considers the risks and rewards of the signing. While Mailata’s success shows rugby players can thrive in the NFL, the transition isn’t easy—many struggle with the sport’s complexity (playbooks, rules) or the physicality of full-contact drills. Manu will need to bulk up slightly (he’s currently 225 pounds, and NFL tight ends average 250 pounds) and adapt to the NFL’s longer season (17 games vs. rugby’s 16-match regular season). However, the rewards for the Jets are significant: if Manu develops into a reliable special teams contributor or backup tight end, he could become a cost-effective asset (practice squad players earn \(12,000–\)16,000 per week, far less than active-roster players). For the New York Jets, this is a low-risk, high-reward move that aligns with their strategy of building depth through unconventional talent. “Every signing has risks, but Joe’s work ethic and athleticism make those risks worth taking,” Douglas said. “We’ve done our homework—we’ve talked to rugby coaches, worked with him on drills, and we believe he has what it takes to succeed. Now it’s up to him to put in the work.”

The final dimension of Former Rugby Star Joins Squad for the New York Jets is what Manu’s signing means for the NFL’s international recruitment efforts. The league has long sought to expand its global footprint, and signing rugby stars like Manu helps attract international fans while tapping into a new talent pool. For the New York Jets, being at the forefront of this trend could help them stand out in a competitive market—both for fans and future prospects. “The NFL is a global league, and we want to be a global team,” Saleh said. “Signing Joe isn’t just about helping our squad—it’s about showing that the Jets are forward-thinking, that we’re willing to look beyond traditional football backgrounds to find talent. That’s a message we want to send to players all over the world.” As Manu continues his transition, all eyes will be on him to see if he can follow in Mailata’s footsteps. For the Jets, the signing is more than just a novelty—it’s a bet on athleticism, hard work, and the power of second chances. “I know this won’t be easy,” Manu said. “But I’ve never shied away from a challenge. I’m here to learn, to work, and to help the Jets win. That’s all that matters.”