Kiwi signs with NFL team

Paul Lasike in action for the Brigham Young Cougars. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealander Paul Lasike has signed a free agent contract with NFL side the Arizona Cardinals.

The former student of Church College of New Zealand near Hamilton became eligible for the NFL draft after three seasons at Brigham Young University.

The Cardinals could look at using Lasike as a fullback for the upcoming NFL season.

He made an impact at BYU as a running back after first making an impression for the college rugby team - leading the side to three consecutive national championships.

"My first love is rugby. I was born and raised with it," Lasike told the Deseret News last year.

"I was born with a rugby ball in my hand. I would say football is my adopted love now. I love both of the sports. They're really fun, now that I understand football."

He wasn't selected in last week's NFL draft but has been picked up by Cardinals.

Lasike played 38 games for the Cougars, scoring 12 TDs and finishing his college career with 843 rushing yards. He had a strong senior season with BYU reaching the Miami Beach Bowl where they were defeated by Memphis 55-48.