Paul Lasike

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]

Paul Lasike
Date of birth (1990-06-18) June 18, 1990
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight250 lb (113 kg)
SchoolChurch College of New Zealand
UniversityBrigham Young University
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Utah Warriors
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018 Utah Warriors 7 (5)
2018–2021 Harlequins 26 (25)
2022 London Scottish F.C. 3 (0)
2022– Utah Warriors 1 (5)
Correct as of 5 April 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2018– United States 19 (30)
Correct as of 31 March 2020
Football career
No. 47
Position:Fullback
Career information
College:Brigham Young
Undrafted:2015
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com

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
  1. Alper, Josh (5 May 2015). "Cardinals sign 14 undrafted free agents". NBCSports.com. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  2. New Zealand Herald article on Lasike
  3. BYU Football Wives club interview with Ani Lasike
  4. Urban, Darren (5 September 2015). "Cardinals Make Final Roster Cuts". AZCardinals.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
  5. Dickerson, Jeff (9 September 2015). "Bears release New Zealand-born Paul Lasike because of Visa problems". ESPN.com. Retrieved 11 September 2015.
  6. Campbell, Rich (21 September 2015). "John Fox downplays benching of former 1st-round pick Kyle Fuller". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 5 October 2015.
  7. Shaffrey, Sean (5 January 2016). "Examining the nine players Bears signed futures contracts". USAToday.com. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
  8. "Paul Lasike: Released by Bears". CBSSports.com. 20 September 2016.
  9. Links, Zach (22 September 2016). "Bears Promote Matt Barkley To Active Roster". Pro Football Rumors.
  10. Mullin, John (5 October 2016). "Bears lose Kevin White to IR with broken leg". NBC Sports Chicago.
  11. Biggs, Brad (20 October 2016). "10 thoughts on the Bears' 26–10 loss to the Packers". Chicagotribune.com.
  12. 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.
  13. Bouda, Nate (12 November 2016). "Bears Promote FB Paul Lasike To Active Roster". NFL Trade Rumors. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  14. Mayer, Larry (11 May 2017). "Bears release Eddie Royal, three others". ChicagoBears.com. Archived from the original on 7 April 2018.
  15. "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.
  16. "Paul Lasike: Harlequins sign USA international from Utah Warriors". BBC Sport. 3 August 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
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