Timothy Lafaele (Japanese: ティモシー・ラファエレ, born 19 August 1991) is an American Samoan-born rugby union player who represents Japan at the international level. He plays as a fly-half or centre. Lafaele is currently associated with the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and the Kobelco Steelers in Japan's Top League. He obtained Japanese citizenship in 2017.
Lafaele's senior rugby career has been predominantly in Japan. He joined the Coca-Cola Red Sparks in 2014 and has played for them since then. Additionally, he has also represented the Sunwolves in Super Rugby.
In terms of international rugby, Lafaele received his first call-up to the Japanese senior squad prior to the 2016 end-of-year rugby union internationals. He made his debut as a replacement in the first game under new head coach Jamie Joseph, which ended in a 54-20 defeat against Argentina.
Lafaele's background includes attending De La Salle College in New Zealand for secondary school and completing his education at Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan.
He was selected to represent Japan in the 2019 Rugby World Cup and has accumulated 22 appearances heading into the quarter-finals of the tournament.
KG(30/06/2023)
Career
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Kobelco Kobe Steelers Inside Centre |
2019 - present |
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Coca-Cola Red Sparks Fly Half |
2016 - 2019 |
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Japan Inside Centre |
2016 - 2023 |
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Sunwolves Fly Half |
2017 - 2023 |
