Tasesa James Lavea (born 10 January 1980) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer. He is of Samoan and Māori descent and heritage, and he coaches the 1st XV for Saint Kentigern College. Early life Although born in Taihape, Lavea grew up in Auckland and was educated at Papatoetoe High School, then St Kentigern College where he played for three seasons in the 1st XV. He was an age-group representative between the ages of 14 and 16, and played for both the Auckland and New Zealand Secondary Schools teams in 1998. He also excelled in cricket. Career Lavea played fly-half for the Blues in Super Rugby from 2004 to 2006. He also played at inside centre for the Chiefs in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. In 2009 he rejoined the Blues. At provincial level, Lavea played for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship from 2003 through to 2007. He joined Counties Manukau in 2008. He played for French Top 14 team ASM Clermont Auvergne between 2009 and 2011. Switch to Rugby League Following secondary school, Lavea played for the Junior All Blacks and was then scouted by Melbourne Storm (despite never having played rugby league until signing), switching codes to play in Australia. Having won the 1999 Premiership, the Melbourne Storm travelled to England to contest the 2000 World Club Challenge against Super League Champions St Helens R.F.C., with Lavea playing from the interchange bench in the victory. Thanks to his prodigious goal-kicking skills, in 2000 he was the Melbourne Storm's leading points scorer (190 points) and was named the NRL Rookie of the Year. After a quieter second season, in 2002 Lavea left Melbourne for the Northern Eagles but was hampered by injury and hardly featured in the team. Test Matches and Rugby League World Cup Lavea was a member of New Zealand's 2000 World Cup squad. Between 2000 and 2001, he played 4 test matches for the Kiwis in his usual rugby league position of stand-off. In the match against Cook Islands on 2 November 2000, Lavea's haul of 32 points (2 tries and 12 goals) broke the previous Kiwi record of 26 points (set by Henry Paul). Return to Rugby Union Lavea returned to New Zealand in 2003 and switched codes once again to play rugby union, signing with Auckland. His NPC debut was in that year, against