The Las Vegas Raiders have joined the growing trend of NFL teams exploring talent from other sports, announcing the signing of rugby player Laki Tasi on Wednesday. Tasi, a 21-year-old Australian listed at 6-6 and 348 pounds, will join the team as a defensive lineman under the league’s International Player Pathway Program, granting him an exception to the 90-man roster limit.
Las Vegas Raiders Add DL Laki Tasi Via IPP
Prior to transitioning to football, Tasi played for the Ashgrove GPS Rugby Club in the Queensland Premier Rugby Union. The Raiders’ decision to take on Tasi represents a long-term development project with the potential for significant upside.
Rugby additions have gone up significantly since the NFL changed its kickoff rules, causing the play to look remarkably like some rugby plays that included two returners to set up lead blockers and pitches. Most recently, the Kansas City Chiefs added Louis Rees-Zammit.
If Tasi successfully adapts to the NFL, his development could mirror that of Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata, another Australian who transitioned from rugby to football and has become a valuable contributor. While Tasi’s path to becoming a key contributor for the team remains to be seen, the team’s willingness to invest in his potential reflects the league’s increasing interest in athletes with unique skill sets and physical attributes from diverse sporting backgrounds.