Crusaders Global Develops Speed, Confidence, and Rugby IQ Says Lolesio-Pua

09.28.2026Camps and Clinics, Int'l News

Isaiah Lolesio-Pua playing for New Brighton in Christchurch, New Zealand as part of his Crusaders Global player immersion.

Author: Alex Goff

Already considered a high-level talent in the game, Elijah Lolesio-Pua wanted something more.

A star at Belmont Shore as a high-schooler and now at Long Beach State, Lolesio-Pua was looking for something to raise his level, and coaches fromm both teams suggested he go to the Crusdaers Global Player Residency.

Registration for the 2027 Player Residency is open now. Learn more about Crusaders Global at crusadersglobal.com.

"Once they told me it was in Christchurch, and my dad was born and raised in Christchurch, so that was another good reason to go," Lolesio-Pua told GRR. "For me it has always been a big goal for me to at least play in New Zealand.

What I wanted to do was figure out where my level of rugby was, and once I decided to go to the Crusader Academy, it was full go."

Lolesio-Pua saved his money and his family helped, and the expense, he said, was completely worth it.

"Such happy times," he said. "It was such an amazing experience. For me on a rugby level, I have been coming back from two major injuries, I wanted to gain my confident back on defense. That was a big goal. Then I have been working on perfecting my pass and perfecting my kicks."

The difference for Lolesio-Pua was the speed of the game. In the USA he is considered one of the quicker-thinking players in the game, but he still had a lot to learn.

The Crusaders Global Academy group with Isaiah Lolesio-Pua.

"In New Zealand their speed of play is just on a different level," said the Long Beach State 49er. "And at the Academy they really put your skillset under pressure. That forces you to adapt. I always felt that if you train hard the game comes easy, but no other place is going to put you under pressure."

Learn more about Crusaders Global at crusadersglobal.com.

Like the rest of the players at the player residency academy, Lolesio-Pua played and trained with a local club, New Brighton, as well as working with Crusaders Global.

"If you work under really tough situations during training then the game is going to come easier and working with the club I got a lot more confident," he said.

Lolesio-Pua eventually earned a starting place in the club's Colts, usually at center.

"It's no joke, man; literally no joke," he said. "The speed was on a completely different level. Coming from the States and playing there was a big deal. There were a lot of nerves going into that first game. I was a newbie and didn't want to mess up. I started playing wing and then slowly integrated into center. Even playing wing, there are no breaks."

But he had promise, which is why he started every week for the Colts.

"My agility was able to help me, and my passing as well was good. So it was nice to have skillsets to fall back on, and a b it of speed. But being in the culture and in a professional environment was great. We were boys from Japan, Italy, Thailand, Australia, and the Netheralands, all playing together. Being part of a club you create a whole new brotherhood. Everyone was really respectful of each other and it was really fun."

And then on the other days they worked with the Crusaders coaches, led by Grant Keenan, directly—sometimes in special sessions, too.

Learn more about Crusaders Global at crusadersglobal.com.

"Grant is one of the best coaches I have had the privilege to train under, and I have trained under some great coaches," said the 49er back. "He's down-to-earth. He will always tell you the truth straight-up. He'll let you know what you need to work on, but he was always very open and approachable. If you needed any help with anything he was your guy. Ash was another great guy."

That would be Ashley Jones, the S&C coach. "I feel like he kept me in shape and taught me what I need to know in preparing myself for the game and what the perfect routine is for me. You can definitely see the wisdom they have in the game."

So did it work? Was it worth it?

Yes, on both.

"I can't go all the way to New Zealand and play there and then come back the same," Lolesia-Pua explained. "I am more confident. I am playing with more speed. I know I can help the Long Beach State boys. We can all speed it up, and we can do it together so we can be one."