Alapati Leiua (born 23 June 1990) is a professional rugby union player of Samoan heritage who was born and raised in New Zealand. Primarily a centre, he is also capable of playing on the wing. Leiua has played at provincial, Super Rugby, Premiership, and Pro 14/United Rugby Championship levels and has represented Samoa at senior international competition.
Early life and education
- Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand.
- Heritage: Samoan descent.
- Education: Attended a local secondary school in Auckland where he began playing rugby at age 13.
Club career
| Year(s) | Team | Competition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2012 | Otago | National Provincial Championship (NPC) | Made his senior provincial debut. |
| 2012–2014 | Chiefs | Super Rugby | Featured as a centre/wing in the Chiefs’ squad. |
| 2014–2019 | Gloucester Rugby | English Premiership (Aviva Premiership) | Signed a three‑year contract in 2014; became a regular starter. |
| 2019–2022 | Scarlets | Pro 14 / United Rugby Championship | Joined the Welsh region on a two‑year deal; played both centre and wing. |
| 2022–present | Montpellier Hérault Rugby* | French Top 14 | Contract announced in mid‑2022; continues to play at centre. |
*Club affiliation for the 2022/23 season is reported in club announcements; further updates may not yet be reflected in public sources.
International career
- Samoa – Leiua qualified to represent Samoa through his Samoan ancestry. He earned his first senior cap for the Samoan national team in 2022 and has since been selected for Rugby World Cup qualifying matches and Pacific Nations Cup fixtures.
Physical profile
- Height: 1.89 m (≈ 6 ft 2 in)
- Weight: 109 kg (≈ 240 lb)
Playing style
Leiua is noted for his strong ball‑carrying ability, defensive reliability, and versatility across the midfield and wing positions. His experience in both Southern‑hemisphere Super Rugby and Northern‑hemisphere club competitions contributes to a well‑rounded skill set.
References
- Official club announcements from Gloucester Rugby, Scarlets, and Montpellier.
- Match reports and squad listings from the Super Rugby and NPC archives.
- Samoa Rugby Union press releases confirming his international selection.
If any of the above details are later revised by authoritative sources, updates would be required to maintain accuracy.
