A powerfully built prop, Saula Ma'u's rise to All Blacks selection has been built on patience as much as power. Ma'u spent three years training alongside the Highlanders squad before earning a contract of his own — an apprenticeship made longer by a challenging run of injuries that could easily have derailed his dream of a professional rugby career. That he fought his way back to full fitness speaks to his character.

After debuting for Otago in 2019, Ma'u made his Highlanders debut in round three of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, and continued building his case at the top level, earning selection in the All Blacks XV squad for the 2024 Northern Tour matches against Munster and Georgia, where he was named on the bench for the clash with Georgia. He has since become a mainstay of the Highlanders' front row, starting regularly through 2025 and 2026 and reaching his 50th appearance for the side. Ma'u earned his maiden selection in an All Blacks squad when picked as an injury replacement for Ollie Norris in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Squad to tour South Africa.