Lasiel Joins Mumbai Dreamers on a Short Stint

The Valley Hunters Rugby Union Club electrifying outside-back and PNG Pukpuks 7s flyer, Ben Lasiel, joined the Mumbai Dreamers a few days ago to participate in the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) in India. 

Lasiel was integral to the Valley Hunters’ maiden premiership success last year in the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union competition. 

His immense contribution on and off the field also helped the Valley Hunters claim two prestigious awards at the recent 33rd SP Sports Awards - Best Performance of the Year & People’s Choice.

One of the Mumbai Dreamers’ players had an injury, so coach Tim Walsh traveled to PNG to select Ben, expecting him to fill the void.  

Ben said he was shocked and taken aback by the announcement to join the Mumbai Dreamers, anticipating playing alongside some of the well-known rugby 7s stars from the HSBC 7s.  

“When I heard that I would go and play with the Mumbai Dreamers, I was so excited and overwhelmed with pride,” the soft-spoken star expressed.

“It’s a dream come true for me, but it has not sunk in it. The feeling is unreal, especially to play with famous rugby 7s players like Jerry Tuwai, Vuiviwa Naduvalo, and Waisea Nacuqu.”

He did not waste time and made his debut for the Mumbai Dreamers a day ago, stating: “During my first game, I was nervous, especially playing with and against some of the biggest 7s players in the world.”

The brawny player admitted that the level of competition in India was professional and tough compared to the local competitions in PNG, but he had a great debut in his first outing. 

Ben expressed his gratitude to coach Frank Genia, Will Genia, and the Valley Hunters Rugby Union Club for their support. He also thanked coach Tim Walsh for coming to PNG and hand-picked him. 

The sensational player looks forward to giving his best in the remaining games and making his mark on foreign soil.