Seko Kalou

Seko Kalou arrived at Bishop's Stortford RFC through an unexpected chain of connections that brought an experienced international to Silver Leys. The Fijian forward had been visiting England on holiday when former Samoa international Dan Leo, an opponent he had faced on the international stage, reached out to ask if he was keen to play. Though interested, Kalou faced visa restrictions preventing him from competing in National One.

Leo liaised with Longy, and together they worked to bring Kalou to Stortford and help resolve his visa situation. "I'm very thankful to the club for giving me the opportunity and for working with Dan and Longy to help get my visa sorted," Kalou explained in the February 2019 club programme.

Reflecting on his opening weeks at the club, Kalou told teammate Dan Elsom: "I've really enjoyed my first two months here. I had already heard a lot about the club from a few mates, and everything I have witnessed has been really positive." He was particularly struck by discovering that roughly sixty to seventy percent of the first team had progressed through the club from youth level—"that should be a factor that pushes us on to succeed," he observed.

Kalou brought substantial experience to Stortford, having earned sixteen caps for Fiji including an appearance at the 2011 World Cup and a try against England at Twickenham in 2012. His career had taken him from provincial rugby with Otago and the Highlanders in New Zealand to seasons in France and Italy, though he had not played for six months before joining the club.

Looking ahead in early 2019, Kalou hoped to continue at Stortford for the next two or three years before retirement. The club had offered to support him through his World Rugby coaching qualifications, progressing from level one toward level two and beyond. "After rugby, I'd love to do something with coaching or study personal training," he said, expressing his interest in remaining involved in the sport beyond his playing days.