Paul Lasike's career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Starting as an international exchange student in Utah, Lasike initially played rugby for BYU before transitioning into American football. Despite never having played organized football, he earned a scholarship and eventually made it to the NFL. After his stint in professional football, Lasike returned to rugby, contributing significantly to the growth of the sport in Utah. His journey highlights the importance of resilience and seizing unexpected opportunities.
Lasike's path began in New Zealand, where he was recruited by BYU rugby scouts while participating in an international exchange program. Following a year on the rugby team, which culminated in BYU's first national championship, Lasike took a break to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return in 2012, he was encouraged to try out for the football team. Learning football from scratch, Lasike faced significant challenges but quickly adapted. He accumulated 843 rushing yards over three seasons and contributed to three more rugby championships with the Cougars.
In 2014, an NFL agent approached Lasike, leading him to train for BYU’s pro day. Although undrafted in 2015, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. After impressing in preseason games, including scoring a touchdown, Lasike felt confident about making the final roster. However, he was cut, a moment he found both tough and relieving. A second chance came when he joined the Chicago Bears' practice squad. After a season there, he made the 53-man roster, marking a significant milestone in his career. His favorite NFL memory was playing in the first game of the season, feeling that all his efforts had paid off.
Lasike's NFL career ended when the Bears decided not to use fullbacks anymore. Rather than continuing in the NFL, he chose to return to rugby. Kimball Kjar, his former rugby coach at BYU, invited him to join the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby (MLR). Lasike spent four years playing professionally in London before returning to Utah in 2022. Since then, he has witnessed remarkable growth in rugby within the state. From practicing on random patches of grass to playing in Zions Bank Stadium, the transformation has been impressive. Additionally, the MLR has expanded from seven to 11 teams, enhancing the league's competitiveness.
Beyond his playing career, Lasike runs a construction company and coaches the BYU women's rugby team. Inspired by the success of the U.S. women's rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics, nearly 100 girls attended tryouts last fall. Lasike believes the upcoming World Cups in 2031 and 2033 will further boost rugby's popularity in the U.S. As the Warriors prepare for their first home game of the season, Lasike remains optimistic about the future of rugby in Utah, emphasizing its physicality and excitement.