Paula Balekana
| Date of birth | 18 May 1993 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Suva, Fiji | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 90 kg (14 st 2 lb; 198 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Kelston Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Paula Balekana (born 18 May 1993) is a Fijian rugby union player, who currently plays as a wing for the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby (MLR). He previously played for the Houston SaberCats in MLR.[1]
Playing career
Balekana was named in the Sydney Rays squad for the 2017 National Rugby Championship season after having played for Gordon RFC in the Shute Shield.[2] Making 29 appearances for the club scoring 120 points. Afterwards, he played for Zebre during the 2018-19 Pro14 and 2019-20 Pro14 seasons.[3] [4]
In 2021 he would be named to the MLR all second team.[5] After scoring 6 tries in 16 matches.
In 2023, he played for Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition.[6]
He would then sign with the New England free jacks during the 2023 season. Balekana would lead the MLR in try’s that year with 15 scoring 75 total points. Helping lead the free jacks to their first championship. He would once again help the free jacks win another title the following year scoring 4 tries in 15 appearances. During the 2025 season Balekana would lead the MLR with 15 try’s including 2 in the MLR championship game helping the free jacks win a 3rd straight MLR title in the process. He would also claim his 50th cap for the club on April 5th vs Houston.[7]
Honours
- New England Free Jacks
- Major League Rugby Championship: 3x (2023, 2024, 2025)
Houston SaberCats
- All Major League Rugby second team: 2021
Personal life
Balekana would have to over adversity in his childhood . As one of his brother died unexpectedly when he was young and his father would become to sick to work. This would lead to his sister having to work at a young age. During this time Balekana found rugby as an escape playing frequently and dreaming of becoming a pro. This hard work would lead to him getting a scholarship offer to play at Kelston boys high school. This would ultimately lead to him becoming a pro.[8]
References
- ^ "Houston signs Zebre winger Paula Balekana". Americas Rugby News. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
- ^ "Around the grounds: May 27 club teams". www.rugby.com.au.
- ^ "Both Irish and English interest as Zebre confirm official 2019/20 squad". RugbyPass. 17 July 2019.
- ^ "Le Zebre Rugby Salutano Otto Giocatori Che Lasciano Il Club". 14 July 2020.
- ^ MLR all second team 2021 https://www.majorleague.rugby/news/mlr-announces-all-mlr-teams-2021/
- ^ "2023 Magpies squad release". Hawke's Bay Rugby Union. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 6 July 2023.
- ^ Gilpin, Oliver (2 May 2025). "Round 12 Roster & Match Preview". New England Free Jacks. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/general/article/From-Fiji-to-Houston-how-rugby-lifted-Paula-16269814.php
External links
- Paula Balekana at ItsRugby.co.uk
- Rakaviti player profile
- Zebre player profile