+- +-

+-Newcomers Start Here

+-Harlequins/Rugby Links


+-Articles


Author Topic: Lasike re-signs  (Read 1101 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

TootingQuin

  • Semi-Pro
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Lasike re-signs
« on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:01* »
DESTRUCTIVE USA INTERNATIONAL AND EX-NFL STAR PAUL LASIKE HAS COMMITTED HIS FUTURE TO HARLEQUINS.

First arriving at The Stoop in the summer of 2018 from Major League Rugby side the Utah Warriors, Lasike has fast become a first fan favourite and a key cog in the new Quins era, regularly seen punching holes in Gallagher Premiership and European defences.

Lasike, 29, previously played in the NFL with the Chicago Bears between 2015 and 2017 before embarking on a career in rugby union.

On signing on for more with Harlequins, Lasike said: “I’m delighted to re-commit to Quins. I’ve loved the last two seasons here wearing the Quarters and running out at The Stoop. The boys and the supporters are some of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’m thrilled to know my family and I will remain at Harlequins.

“There is a real feeling that the Club are building something under Gussy, and I’m excited to continue playing my part in that plan. With players as young and as talented as Marcus Smith, Gabriel Ibitoye and Alex Dombrandt, among many, running out each week, I know big things are coming.”

Paul Gustard, Harlequins’ Head of Rugby, said: “We are delighted that ‘big Pauli’ has agreed to extend his time with us. Paul was the first player I signed at the Club back in June 2018 on injury dispensation after being hugely impressed by some stand out performances for the US Eagles, most notably against Scotland. He had a frustrating season last year where he had some injuries, a couple of concussions which, allied to his international commitments, meant he never had any continuity.

“He was a relative newcomer back to rugby following a stint in the NFL and I think we are seeing huge growth in his performances this season. His all-round game is improving weekly and his dedication and commitment to get better is constant.

“Rugby, at its very crux, is a simple game requiring physical dominance and there are very few people in world rugby that can cause as much destruction as Paul when he carries the ball. He is proving to be a real focal point in our attack in recent weeks and is giving the team constant go forward and momentum.

“As hard as he plays on the field he is as warm and gentle off it. He is a very popular member of the squad and he has the respect of everyone at the Club based on the simple fact that he is an unbelievably great guy who gives everything whenever he trains or plays. It is very positive news that Paul and his young family have committed with us and I am sure the news will be as well received by our fans as it is by our players, who know they won’t be the ones tackling him!”
Like Like x 3 View List

Brown Bottle

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 3244
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:02* »
Jolly good!

T-Bone

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 3106
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:04* »
Good news. Last season I wouldn't have been that fussed if he left, but given a chance and a run of games he is improving week on week and provides us with a really good option at centre.
Agree Agree x 2 View List

Fearless Fred

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 3776
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #3 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:10* »
That's good news! He's now putting together a string of appearances & showing what he can offer in terms not only as an attacking threat himself, but as teams try to cope with his presence it opens up holes for our other backs to exploit.

quins4life

  • Academy Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 336
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #4 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:16* »
Fantastic news. A player who has come from nowhere and has been revelation for the last couple of months. From being 5th/6th choice at the start of the season, he’s probably 1st choice, nailed on at 12. He’s been that good for us. Think him and Tapuai would be a great pairing when the latter returns soon

TomBuckQuin

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 1407
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #5 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:29* »
This is very good news.

I really feel that the centres are as important as the half backs these days. If you have no line breaking ability in the centre of the park then you can have the best distributors and decision makers inside but you're never going to make dents in decent defences.

Our centre options for next season onwards look seriously tasty...

12 - Esterhuizen, Lasike, Taps (although I have a gut feeling he might be off - when is his contract up?)
13 - Marchant, Lang, Northmore

...with some academy guys in behind and the Murleys who can cover 13 if need be.

Really glad Gussy has chosen to prioritise here. We have proper gamebreakers in the centres. A quality scrum half and a decent wing/FB and we'll look very well stocked in the backs.

Fursty

  • 1st XV Captain
  • ***
  • Posts: 549
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #6 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 11:52* »
Fantastic news - really stepped up in the last few games when we needed it.

never sleep

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 2997
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #7 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 12:01* »
Great news - I like watching him play.
I like the comment "I am sure the news will be as well received by our fans as it is by our players, who know they won’t be the ones tackling him!”

InsertQuinsPunHere

  • A Team Bench
  • *
  • Posts: 364
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #8 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 12:32* »
Excellent.

I look forward to the Lasike/Marchant pairing being every bit as successful as the JTH/Lowe one was - punch holes, then dance through the gaps :-)

quinalan

  • Gold Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 282
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #9 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 13:02* »
Fantastic news indeed! I love this guy & am so pleased that we are going to keep him. Really would be great to get him playing regularly at 12 & punching serious holes in defences. Thats really good.

Portquin

  • Captain
  • *****
  • Posts: 109
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #10 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 13:11* »
Was worried we were going to see him leave so v pleased he is sticking around. Well done the club for rewarding quality performances as he has stepped up big time in the last few months.

NFL Paul & Joe could do some serious damage next season

Quinky

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 3144
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #11 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 13:19* »
Great news IMO. As much as he's renowned for being an absolute tank moving forwards, his defence has come on in leaps and bounds too. As horrible as it is to try and stop him, it can't be much fun for attackers when the roles are reversed.

AJQuin

  • Captain
  • *****
  • Posts: 123
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #12 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 13:47* »
One of my favourite things about Lasike is that he is just great fun to watch! Every time he gets the ball there is a big intake of breath from the crowd. Great fun!

Hamptonquin

  • Semi-Pro
  • *
  • Posts: 15
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #13 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 14:13* »
Agreed - he has come on leaps and bounds this year. Very pleased if his name is on the teamsheet on matchday.
Like Like x 1 Agree Agree x 1 View List

Quinten Poulsen

  • Lions Captain
  • ******
  • Posts: 2134
Re: Lasike re-signs
« Reply #14 on: Wednesday 12-Feb-2020, 16:03* »
Brilliant news.

 

+-User

Welcome, Guest.
Please login or register.
 
 
 

Login with your social network

Forgot your password?

+-Site Statistics

Members
Total Members: 1162
Latest: Marsi1e
New This Month: 2
New This Week: 1
New Today: 0
Stats
Total Posts: 119473
Total Topics: 6383
Most Online Today: 556
Most Online Ever: 4089
(Sunday 10-Oct-2021, 12:56*)
Users Online
Members: 21
Guests: 231
Total: 252