Rotherham Titans are pleased to announce the addition of second rower James Lasis to their squad ahead of the up-coming Championship campaign.
James, 21, has joined the Titans from National One side Loughborough Students, having previously been on the books at Premiership side Harlequins.
Born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, James started out his rugby career propping in the front row. The unusual switch into the engine room happened last season when Loughborough’s scrum was struggling somewhat.
Scrum coach George Chuter, the former Leicester Tigers hooker, made the gamble to put James in the second row and the gamble paid off handsomely. And standing at 6’ 5” James doesn’t look out of place in his new found position.
Lasis is also a versatile athlete having previously been a former UK youth champion in the hammer, discus and shot put events and he believes the skills he acquired in athletics have transferred through into making him a better rugby player.
The former England U18s Clubs and Schools representative is delighted to be joining Rotherham as he explained, “I'm absolutely buzzing to be joining the Titans for next year.
“Coming straight from university it will be a big change but I'm really looking forward to the new challenge the Championship presents, and I can’t wait to get stuck in to pre-season!
“Having always dreamed of becoming a pro rugby player, to be signing a professional contract is a big moment for me and I hope to be able to prove myself at this level as soon as possible.”
You can give James a warm welcome to Rotherham via his Twitter account at: @jameslas95
