The Tongan born front-rower is a graduate of the John Jones Steel High-Performance Programme and debuted for the Highlanders in round 3 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific Competition. 

An impressively sized prop, Ma'u, benefitted from training blocks with the Highlanders squad for the three years prior to becoming a contracted Super Rugby player. A horror run of injuries limited Ma'u's game time prior to 2022, and arguably delayed his rise to Super Rugby, and it is a credit to the young man that he has been able to overcome those injuries and return to full fitness to continue his dream of a professional rugby career. 

At the end of the 2024 Super Rugby Season, Saula was selected into the All Blacks XV team for their Northern Tour. 

What's your favourite movie?

Coach Carter 

What does it mean to represent the Highlanders? 

It means a lot because that was my goal, to play for the Highlanders one day. 

Who's your favourite rugby player?

Jonah Lomu