It started with a simple team meeting. One of those bonding sessions coaches hope will spark something deeper.
Matt Peet, head coach of Wigan Warriors, asked each of his 25 players to share a quiet act of kindness they’d received from a teammate—something no one else knew about.
To no one’s surprise, one name kept coming up: Willie Isa.
Acts of Kindness Behind the Spotlight
The stories were all different, but they painted the same picture.
Isa had opened up his home to teammates who needed shelter.
He’d treated struggling friends to coffee, lent out cash without hesitation, and even acted as a driver when someone’s car broke down.
Over half of the group mentioned him.
That kind of selflessness is rare, especially in elite sport.
But for Isa, it was second nature—and it helped power Wigan to one of their most successful spells, including a triumphant Treble and a legendary win over Penrith Panthers.
Chelsea’s Cultural Architect
So when Isa retired from rugby in January, he didn’t disappear from sport—he simply changed uniforms.
A month later, Chelsea brought him into the fold, appointing him as their “cultural architect.”
His mission? Bring the same values, discipline, and compassion that made him a Wigan legend into a young and hungry Premier League squad.
Warriors captain Liam Farrell, who’s known Isa since 2015, put it simply:
“He raised standards everywhere he went. Whether it was helping the young lads, keeping things tidy, or just being there—you felt his presence.”
More Than a Motivator
Isa isn’t just there for the occasional pep talk. He’s deeply involved—on the training pitch, in the locker room, on every team trip.
If you watch Chelsea closely, you’ll see him everywhere: warming up with players, greeting them at the tunnel, checking in after games.
His presence is steady and grounding. Whether players are grappling with injuries or just missing home, Isa’s the guy who listens.
He’s lived the ups and downs—especially through his own injury battles, including one that kept him off the rugby pitch for nearly a year.
Music, Mariah, and Mental Resets
Isa isn’t all business, though. He’s a big believer in music’s power to shape mood.
One minute it’s Beethoven, the next it’s Mariah Carey—or British rapper Dave.
And when things got rough at Wigan, he’d calm himself down with Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.
These small rituals have followed him to Chelsea, where the culture he’s helping build is about more than tactics.
It’s about energy, mindset, and emotional intelligence—especially in a dressing room packed with rising stars still learning how to handle the spotlight.
Watching Over the Squad
That watchful presence was especially appreciated last month in Miami, when a group of Chelsea’s Spanish-speaking players—Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, and Marc Cucurella—were approached by a stranger with a phone outside a luxury watch store.
Isa calmly stepped in and defused the situation.
He’s also the kind of guy who’ll bring good vibes after a win—like the time he led a shirtless Haka in the locker room, surrounded by chants and celebration, with the coaching staff piling on in joy.
Celebrating with Heart
When Chelsea were crowned world champions in New Jersey after beating PSG 3-0, Isa didn’t rush onto the pitch.
Instead, he celebrated from the sidelines, thumping the dugout roof in triumph.
His job wasn’t to bask in the glory but to keep the focus steady.
That wasn’t the only trophy. Back in Wroclaw, Poland, after winning the Conference League, Isa made sure everyone celebrated—even pushing Chelsea’s top brass out of their comfort zone to join the post-match joy.
A New Chapter for Chelsea’s Newcomers
Now back at Cobham for pre-season, Isa’s attention turns to helping new faces settle in.
Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, and Estevao Willian are just some of the names he’ll be working closely with.
It’s not just about training—it’s about integration, support, and making sure every player feels part of the group.
And yes, after big European away wins, don’t be surprised to see stacks of pizza boxes waiting for the squad.
That post-match tradition still lives, and Isa’s meat feast go-to has its roots in a childhood reward from his dad.
Winning Over the Doubters
When Chelsea first brought in Isa, the move was mocked. Another rugby guy? Really?
Especially after the club’s short-lived partnership with All Blacks coach Gilbert Enoka, known for his strict “no d***heads” philosophy.
But six months on, Isa’s critics have fallen quiet. His role—officially “player support and development officer”—has been vital.
From his one-on-one support to his leadership in group settings, he’s helped shape a winning environment at Stamford Bridge.
The Mentality Monster Chelsea Didn’t Know They Needed
Now, as Chelsea gear up for another intense season, Isa is sticking around.
His journey from rugby warrior to football mentor has only just begun, and those around him know his biggest influence may still be ahead.
Because for all the tactical talk and big transfers, sometimes it’s the quiet leaders behind the scenes who make the biggest difference.