New Zealand rugby union player (born 1990)
Rugby player
Paul Lasike (born 18 June 1990) is a New Zealand professional rugby union player for the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby (MLR). In American football, he played as a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). In international rugby, he plays for the United States national rugby union team . He played college football and rugby at Brigham Young University .[ 1]
Early life
Lasike is one of 10 children in an ethnic Tongan family. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alabama. Lasike is married to Ani, a native of Santos, Brazil .[ 2] Ani's family moved to Sacramento, California when she was in her early teens.[ 3]
NFL career
Arizona Cardinals
Lasike was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals on 5 May 2015, but was waived on 5 September 2015.[ 1] [ 4]
Chicago Bears
Lasike was signed to the Chicago Bears ' practice squad on 7 September 2015, but his contract was terminated the next day due to visa problems.[ 5] On 21 September 2015, Lasike was re-signed to the Bears' practice squad.[ 6] On 4 January 2016, Lasike signed a futures contract with the Bears.[ 7] On 20 September 2016, he was released by the Bears.[ 8] Two days later he was signed to the practice squad.[ 9] He was elevated to the active roster on 5 October 2016.[ 10] He was released by the Bears on 20 October 2016, but the Bears then re-signed him to their practice squad the following day.[ 11] [ 12] He was promoted to the active roster on 12 November 2016.[ 13] On 11 May 2017, he was waived by the Bears.[ 14]
Rugby union
Lasike first came to BYU on a scholarship to play college rugby . He was called into the United States national rugby union team for the 2018 Americas Rugby Championship , earning his debut against Chile.
Lasike first started playing for Utah Warriors during the inaugural 2018 Major League Rugby season .[ 15] On 3 August 2018, Lasike travelled to England to join Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership from the 2018–19 season.[ 16]
References
^ a b Alper, Josh (5 May 2015). "Cardinals sign 14 undrafted free agents" . NBCSports.com . Retrieved 5 October 2015 .
^ New Zealand Herald article on Lasike
^ BYU Football Wives club interview with Ani Lasike
^ Urban, Darren (5 September 2015). "Cardinals Make Final Roster Cuts" . AZCardinals.com . Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2015 .
^ Dickerson, Jeff (9 September 2015). "Bears release New Zealand-born Paul Lasike because of Visa problems" . ESPN.com . Retrieved 11 September 2015 .
^ Campbell, Rich (21 September 2015). "John Fox downplays benching of former 1st-round pick Kyle Fuller" . Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 5 October 2015 .
^ Shaffrey, Sean (5 January 2016). "Examining the nine players Bears signed futures contracts" . USAToday.com . Retrieved 10 January 2016 .
^ "Paul Lasike: Released by Bears" . CBSSports.com . 20 September 2016.
^ Links, Zach (22 September 2016). "Bears Promote Matt Barkley To Active Roster" . Pro Football Rumors .
^ Mullin, John (5 October 2016). "Bears lose Kevin White to IR with broken leg" . NBC Sports Chicago .
^ Biggs, Brad (20 October 2016). "10 thoughts on the Bears' 26–10 loss to the Packers" . Chicagotribune.com .
^ Bouda, Nate (21 October 2016). "Bears Re-Sign FB Paul Lasike To Practice Squad, Place RB Raheem Mostert On PS Injured List" . NFL Trade Rumors . Retrieved 21 October 2016 .
^ Bouda, Nate (12 November 2016). "Bears Promote FB Paul Lasike To Active Roster" . NFL Trade Rumors . Retrieved 12 November 2016 .
^ Mayer, Larry (11 May 2017). "Bears release Eddie Royal, three others" . ChicagoBears.com . Archived from the original on 7 April 2018.
^ "Former BYU football player Paul Lasike brings unique experiences together as leader of Utah Warriors, USA Rugby" . Deseret.com. 19 June 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2019 .
^ "Paul Lasike: Harlequins sign USA international from Utah Warriors" . BBC Sport. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2019 .
External links