Lelia Masaga

Who is Lelia Masaga?

Lelia Masaga is a professional rugby union player from New Zealand. Masaga is contracted to the Chiefs in Super Rugby where he plays on the wing. He is nicknamed Flash. His career was highlighted by selection for New Zealand representation in the 2006 Under 21 Rugby World Cup in France. Masaga was the top try scorer in the tournament with 7 tries.

The NZRFU's controversial decision to 'recondition' established All Black test players including Chiefs anchors Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina allowed Masaga to cement his position in the side. Despite early losses in the 2007 season, coaches Ian Foster and Warren Gatland showed patience and trust in the young winger who has performed remarkably well, co-leading the tournament as top try scorer with 8 tries going into the last round. He was included in the All Blacks squad for the 2009 Iveco Series to cover for injuries when he earned his first test cap against Italy on 27 June 2009.

By the end of Super 15 season in 2013, he would be off to play rugby in Japan