Utah Warriors Sign Former BYU Standout, Harlequin Paul Lasike
Feb 22, 2022, 9:55 AM | Updated: Jul 22, 2022, 2:22 pm
Paul Lasike of Harlequins is tackled by Brad Shields of Wasps during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby match between Harlequins and Wasps at Twickenham Stoop on May 09, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Harlequins)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Warriors have announced that they have signed center Paul Lasike from the Harlequins of Premiership Rugby.
Lasike, who played his college rugby with Brigham Young University, previously spent time with the Warriors during their inaguaral season in 2018 where he recorded seven caps during the 3-5 season.
“From the first time I saw Paul play rugby in high school, you could tell he was different,” said Warriors co-founder and CEO Kimbal Kjar. “As a player, he’s one of the 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.”
𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤
Welcome back to Utah, Paul Lasike.#ForTheNation
— Utah Warriors Rugby (@utwarriorsrugby) February 22, 2022
Since the 2018 season with the Warriors, Lasike signed with the Harlequins of Premiership Rugby in the United Kingdom. Over that time, he made 29 appearances in four seasons with the 2021 Champions, scoring 5 times and becoming an instant fan favorite.
“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 complement our current leadership while also providing guidance to our younger players that have similar ambitions to what he has accomplished.”
Lasike has also represented the United States on the international scene gaining 10 caps for the USA Eagles.
RELATED STORIES
Lasike played both rugby and American Football while at BYU and spent time with the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears before turning professional in rugby.
“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 next year.”
