It’s not so much that Israel Lasaqa has big shoes to fill – more like fast feet to follow.

The Tauranga Intermediate Year 8 rugby player will make his rugby sevens debut at the Zespri AIMS Games this year, following on from older brothers Peniasi (2012), Gideon (2016) and current New Zealand sevens representative Kele (2018-19).

This week, Kele – who is still battling the effects of concussion suffered during the New Zealand under-20 campaign – joined his younger brother at one of Tauranga’s final training sessions before the tournament begins.

“It brings back a few memories for me and it’s pretty cool seeing little brother in the team now,” Kele said.

The 20-year-old made his Bay of Plenty debut last year, scoring five tries in six games, and has starred for the All Blacks Sevens side since being called into the side for the 2025 Dubai Sevens, which New Zealand won.

He was subsequently nominated for the world series rookie player of the year.

Kele and Israel Lasaqa at Tauranga Intermediate training this week. Photo / Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media

Yet it’s not that long ago, he was also pulling on a Tauranga Intermediate jersey – the local team lost the final to Te Puke in 2018, but gained a measure of revenge the next year by reversing that result.

He’s got clear advice for his younger brother.

“Don’t be too individual. It’s easy to want to take it upon yourself but you’ve got a whole bunch of good players in your team so make sure you use them. He’s pretty good though – I was probably a bit more of a hungus than him!”

Israel, meanwhile, credits his dad Ben, and his three older brothers, for the skills he’s learned from a young age.

“Dad’s always given me the best advice, never tells lies, and always tells me the truth of how I’ve been playing,” Israel said.

“It’s mostly a good thing! I have to be good at rugby and we had some good games of touch in the back yard. I’m feeling pretty good and it’s going to be a great experience to play AIMS Games.”

Older brother Gideon now plays club rugby in Sydney, while cousin Veveni also plays for Bay of Plenty, having gone through Tauranga Intermediate in 2015.

Kele, Israel and Ben Lasaqa. Photo / Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media

The Lasaqa boys’ parents moved to New Zealand in 2003 from Ucunivanua in Fiji.

Rugby is one of the biggest codes with 159 teams across Rip Rugby and rugby sevens, just ahead of the 156 netball teams.