All Blacks Sevens halfback Kele Lasaqa has expressed that belief, hard work, and faith have been the driving forces behind his rapid integration into New Zealand’s elite sevens program. With aspirations set on competing in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Lasaqa’s journey from his hometown of Verata, Tailevu, has been nothing short of remarkable.
Scouted and welcomed into the All Blacks Sevens squad late last year, Lasaqa has taken full advantage of the opportunity. He has participated in two HSBC Sevens World Series events, showcasing his skills in Dubai and Cape Town. “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,” he shared.
Wearing the iconic black jersey signifies not just a dream come true for many young Fijian boys, but also a sense of responsibility for Lasaqa. His advice to aspiring rugby players is simple yet profound: “Stay in it, keep working hard, and trust that God’s got a plan. You never know where the journey can take you.”
Returning to his roots during the current tournament has provided Lasaqa a chance to soak in the lively atmosphere and vibrant energy of the local crowd. “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.
Rugby is a family affair for Lasaqa, with his brother, Gideon Lasaqa, also playing the sport for the Sydney Fijian team in the Coral Coast 7s. This familial support has played a crucial role as he navigates his burgeoning career on the international stage.
Looking to the future, Lasaqa has made his ambitions clear: “I want to make the LA Olympics in 2028 — and I want to win.” Recently, he was part of the New Zealand Development team that took part in the McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
His story serves as an inspiring reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and a clear vision, echoing the hopes of many young athletes dreaming on the global stage.
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