Leon Fukofuka

Leon Fukofuka (born 8 September 1994) is a rugby union player who currently plays as a halfback for in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup and is a international.

Early career

The son of former Auckland and Prop, Kalau Fukofuka, Leon was born and raised in West Auckland and played first XV rugby for Kelston Boys' High School, initially as a flanker before switching to halfback in year 11. After graduating from high school, he began playing for Marist in Auckland's Premier club rugby competition and also turned out for 's sevens team.

Senior career

He was first named in Auckland's senior squad for the 2014 ITM Cup and made a total of 7 appearances in the competition, although only 3 were starts as he largely played backup to the more experienced Junior Poluleuligaga. 2015 was largely a right-off as a shoulder injury restricted him to just a solitary appearance during Auckland's run to the ITM Cup Premiership final while 2016 saw him return to full fitness and play in all 10 of Auckland's regular season games as they finished in a disappointing 5th place which saw them miss out on the play-offs.

Super Rugby

Despite his relative lack of experience, an injury to All Blacks halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow paved the way for Fukofuka to be named in the wider training group for the 2015 Super Rugby season. The presence of two excellent number 9s in the shape of Augustine Pulu and Brad Weber meant that Fukofuka didn't see any game time during the campaign and subsequently transferred to the wider training group for 2016. With the franchise's first choice halfback Andy Ellis returning from a spell in Japan after the season had begun, Fukofuka was able to get some game time as back up to Mitchell Drummond, debuting as a substitute in a home game against his former side, the . He found himself promoted to the senior squad for 2017 where he would compete against Drummond and new arrival from the , Bryn Hall for a starting berth.

Super Rugby Statistics

Season Team Games Starts Sub Mins Tries Cons Pens Drops Points Yel Red 2016 12 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Total 12 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0