Alaisalatemaota Bakulich-Leavasa (born 9 October 1979) is a former Samoan rugby union player. She is Samoa's most-capped women's rugby player.[1] She competed for Samoa at the 2002, 2006 and 2014 Rugby World Cups.
| Date of birth | 9 October 1979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Samoa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.64 m (5 ft 5 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Biography
editBakulich-Leavasa was born in Samoa and is the oldest of five children. Her parents migrated to New Zealand in the early 80s. Her mother is from Le'auva'a and Solosolo in Samoa, while her father is from Vaiala and Vaimoso.[2]
Rugby career
editBakulich-Leavasa began playing rugby in Year 10 while attending Marcellin College. She graduated from Epsom Girls' Grammar School, the year they formed their first rugby team.[3] She has made over 50 appearances for three different teams in New Zealand's domestic rugby competition since the early 2000s.[3]
Bakulich-Leavasa has featured in three Rugby World Cups for Samoa, in 2002, 2006 and 2014.[3] In 2003 she played for the World XV's team against the Black Ferns.[4] She, along with friends and family, helped create the Maui Tamaki Makaurau women's under 21 team.[3]
Bakulich-Leavasa studied Physiotherapy and graduated in 2017. She is currently a physiotherapist for the Manu Sina team.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Von Dincklage, Vaelei (2021-05-13). "Manu Sina excited to take on Australian Wallaroos". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ Husb, Dale (2020-12-05). "Neru Leavasa: A history of service". E-Tangata. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ a b c d Stanley, Ashley (2020-12-09). "Manusina icon forges a path for young rugby women". Stuff. Retrieved 2022-05-09.
- ^ "Injuries force player loan for World XV final". NZ Herald. 2003-10-11. Retrieved 2022-05-09.