Casey Laulala back in Christchurch after 10 years in Europe
20 May 2021
Former All Black and Crusaders back Casey Laulala has joined former teammate Reuben Thorne, coaching upcoming rugby players at Christ’s College in Christchurch.
Recently returned from Europe, where he has lived for the past decade, Laulala has been appointed development coach for the school. His role will be to particularly work with junior players, honing their skills and approach to playing rugby.
Stephen Dods, Master in Charge of Rugby at Christ’s College, says Laulala will bring another dimension to the school’s rugby teams.
“Casey has a fantastically well-rounded approach. He’s had a lot of experience coaching and playing rugby, and his overseas experience has exposed him to a wide range of skill sets and rugby philosophies. I think this will make him particularly appealing to our junior players who want to have fun, feel safe and enjoy playing rugby.”
Samoan born Laulala left New Zealand in 2010, subsequently playing for the Cardiff Blues, followed by Munster, and then Racing Metro, followed by coaching in Toulon.
He has lived in Paris for the past six years where he owns a Michelin-starred restaurant, Itacoa, with Brazilian chef Rafael Gomes. Laulala even has his own brand of coffee, Lecase Paris.
With the restaurant closed for the past eight months because of the Covid lockdown, Laulala decided it was time to return home with his three young children.
“It felt like it was time to come back. If we didn’t do it now, we wondered if we ever would. We’re really enjoying the freedom here and the new Christchurch vibe.”
Laulala says he’s looking forward to being involved with school rugby at Christ’s College.
“One of the things I learnt when I moved to Canterbury playing rugby was the importance of team. If each person understands that they are part of a whole – that’s when the magic starts to happen. When you serve each other, it’s a beautiful thing and you become a family.
“It all starts with the mindset. Everyone has a different approach when they come into a team and then they quickly realise they are there not just for themselves but for a bigger purpose. That’s when you bring the family theme to life.
“In business, I’ve learnt the importance of asking the right questions. You don’t give people all the answers. There needs to be that ‘ah ha’ moment when the lightbulb goes on.”
