Alaisalatemaota Bakulich-Leavasa

Bakulich-Leavasa was born in Samoa and is the oldest of five children. Her parents migrated to New Zealand in the early 80s. Her mother is from Le'auva'a and Solosolo in Samoa, while her father is from Vaiala and Vaimoso.^[2]

Bakulich-Leavasa began playing rugby in Year 10 while attending Marcellin College. She graduated from Epsom Girls' Grammar School, the year they formed their first rugby team.^[3] She has made over 50 appearances for three different teams in New Zealand's domestic rugby competition since the early 2000s.^[3]

Bakulich-Leavasa has featured in three Rugby World Cups for Samoa, in 2002, 2006 and 2014.^[3] In 2003 she played for the World XV's team against the Black Ferns.^[4] She, along with friends and family, helped create the Maui Tamaki Makaurau women's under 21 team.^[3]

Bakulich-Leavasa studied Physiotherapy and graduated in 2017. She is currently a physiotherapist for the Manu Sina team.^[1]