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.

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. Ani's family moved to Sacramento, California when she was in her early teens.

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.

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. On 21 September 2015, Lasike was re-signed to the Bears' practice squad. On 4 January 2016, Lasike signed a futures contract with the Bears. On 20 September 2016, he was released by the Bears. Two days later he was signed to the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on 5 October 2016. He was released by the Bears on 20 October 2016, but the Bears then re-signed him to their practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on 12 November 2016. On 11 May 2017, he was waived by the Bears.

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. On 3 August 2018, Lasike travelled to England to join Harlequins in the Gallagher Premiership from the 2018–19 season.