Kele Lasaqa, the promising halfback for the All Blacks Sevens, attributes his rapid ascent into New Zealand’s elite sevens program to belief, hard work, and unwavering faith. As he sets his sights on the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Lasaqa’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Having been scouted and invited to join the All Blacks Sevens squad late last year, he has quickly made an impact, participating in two key HSBC Sevens World Series events in Dubai and Cape Town.
Reflecting on his journey, the dynamic No.9 shared, “I’ve been playing rugby since I was young and just carried on as I got older. At the end of last year, I got pulled in to join the squad, and everything’s moved pretty quickly from there.” For Lasaqa, wearing the iconic black jersey is not just an honor but a significant responsibility. He advises aspiring rugby players to remain dedicated and trust in a bigger plan, emphasizing, “Stay in it, keep working hard, and trust that God’s got a plan. You never know where the journey can take you.”
Currently, he is enjoying the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the rugby scene back home, particularly during his participation in the recent tournament. “It’s my first time back since 2010, so it’s really good to be back. It’s hot, but it’s good fun. The crowd’s been amazing — there’s so much vibe,” he noted.
Lasaqa comes from a rugby family, with his brother Gideon also active in the sport, playing for the Sydney Fijian team in the Coral Coast 7s. This familial support has played a crucial role in his development as he navigates the international rugby circuit.
As he looks towards the future, Lasaqa is determined to reach new heights in his career. “I want to make the LA Olympics in 2028 — and I want to win,” he declared. Recently, he was part of the New Zealand Development team that competed in the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s, showcasing his ongoing commitment to the sport and his ambitions for success on the world stage.
With a promising path ahead, Kele Lasaqa embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination that resonates with young rugby players, inspiring them to chase their dreams in the world of sports.