NEWS

Paul Lasike Returns to Utah from Harlequins

Herriman, Utah – The Utah Warriors have announced today that they have signed center Paul Lasike from the Harlequins of Premiership Rugby.

Lasike, a former standout rugby and football player for Brigham Young University, previously spent the inaugural 2018 season with the Warriors, recording seven caps for a Warriors team that went 3-5 before losing to the Glendale Raptors in the Major League Rugby Playoffs.

“From the first time I saw Paul play rugby in high school, you could tell he was different,” said Warriors Co-Founder and CEO, Kimball Kjar, “As a player he’s one of top talents I’ve seen come out of the state of Utah and having him return to the Warriors will give the team not only an unbelievable talent, but we’ll also add a great person this community will be able to rally around.”

After his impressive showing in 2018, Lasike signed with the Harlequins of Premiership Rugby in the United Kingdom. Lasike instantly became a fan favorite in London, making 29 appearances in four seasons with the 2021 Premiership Champions, scoring five tries.

“It is always special to bring someone like Paul home,” said Warriors General Manager Brandon Sparks. “His contribution on the field of play is easy to see but where we will experience the biggest impact is his leadership and professionalism. He will compliment our current leadership while also providing guidance to our younger players that have similar ambitions to what he has accomplished.”

In addition to his time spent in Major League Rugby and Premiership Rugby, Lasike is a USA International, earning 10 Caps for the USA Eagles. A two-sport star at BYU, Lasike also enjoyed a successful football career, playing for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears before beginning his career in pro rugby.

Lasike now returns to Utah where he spent his high school and college years and where his journey in professional rugby began, back in 2018.

“I’m really happy to get back to where it all started,” said Lasike. “I played some of my high school and my collegiate rugby in Utah, and the Warriors was where I got my start in professional rugby. So, to come back home and play for them is awesome for me and my family. I’m excited to get started with the boys in Utah and hopefully do something special this season.”

Lasike will join the Warriors in late March, following the culmination of the Six Nations Tournament and once he has been granted leave from the Harlequins.