Lasike: USA hunting for diamonds in rough

PAUL Lasike believes rugby union is slowly growing in the USA but has a long way to go until it can really compete in the American sporting market, with the complicated laws currently holding the sport back

- BEN JAYCOCK

USA host the Rugby World Cup in eight years’ time but after securing the showpiece tournament, the nation endured a major setback when they failed to qualify for the current edition.

The Eagles lost to Uruguay and Chile during qualification and blew a final opportunity drawing 16-16 against Portugal in Dubai and 33-year-old centre Lasike, who played in the 2019 World Cup and won 19 caps, was devastated to have missed out.

He said: “It was really tough to miss out on the World Cup, for me personally as well because that was my last opportunity to go to another World Cup. For the nation it was really tough. They’ve made a lot of changes at the top, they’ve created a bigger player pool to try and find diamonds in the rough because there is a lot of potential here.”

USA’s domestic competition Major League Rugby formed in 2018 with former internationals like Chris Robshaw, Matt Giteau and Ma’a Nonu opting to move Stateside in the twilight of their careers.

Lasike currently plays for Utah Warriors and says the standard in the competition has increased considerably and provides his nation, who have now set their sights on sealing a spot in Australia for 2027, with more strength in depth and a viable alternative for athletes that don’t make it in other sports.