Lima Sopoaga

Lima Sopoaga’s professional career began with the Wellington Lions in 2010, where he made his debut at 19 and quickly established himself as the starting number 10, scoring 370 points in 37 games. Prior to this, Sopoaga demonstrated significant early talent, contributing to successful seasons for Wellington College, culminating in a masterclass performance in the 2009 final and selection for the New Zealand Schools’ team. He was also a pivotal member of the New Zealand Under 20s squad that secured the IRB Junior World Championship in Italy in 2011, further cementing his potential on the international stage. In 2014, he transferred to Southland, playing 17 games and scoring 187 points.

Seeking new challenges, Sopoaga ventured overseas in 2018, signing with Wasps in England, where he played 53 games and scored 287 points. This period further developed his game, despite coinciding with the club’s financial difficulties. In 2021, he joined Lyon in France, where he adapted to a ‘slower but more physical’ style of French rugby and experienced highly passionate crowds. Sopoaga continued to expand his international footprint, and in late 2023, he qualified on ancestry grounds to represent Samoa at the Rugby World Cup, marking another significant milestone in his international career.

Following his tenure in France, Sopoaga joined Shimizu Blue Sharks in Japan, playing for them in 2023. Demonstrating continued demand for his talent at the highest level, Sopoaga signed with Waikato in 2024 for the upcoming 2025 season, reaffirming his presence in top-tier New Zealand rugby.