Australia's newest medical drama The F Ward, starring Ioane Sa'ula, mixes Bump with Grey's Anatomy
Australian actor Ioane Sa'ula discusses his transition from a promising rugby career to acting following a severe injury. He currently stars in the new medical drama 'The F Ward', which explores the lives of interns at a struggling hospital.
Why it matters
The article provides insight into the career trajectory of an emerging actor and highlights new content in the Australian television industry.
The F Ward is already attracting international attention and its creators have plans for a second season. ( Supplied: Stan/John Platt )
Link copied Share Share article Growing up in Canberra, Samoan Australian actor Ioane Sa'ula thought he'd play sport professionally.
From the age of seven, the Bump and Heartbreak High star played rugby league every weekend.
But at 13, he broke his tibia and fibula, the bones in his lower leg. The injury led to a staph infection, eight surgeries and about three months in hospital, halting his league career for two years.
During his convalescence, Sa'ula was encouraged by his English teacher to try acting.
He soon landed the role of Gomez in his school's production of The Addams Family.
Still in high school, Sa'ula began poring over casting Facebook pages, which eventually landed him an audition for Stan's teen-mum comedy-drama Bump.
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