Casey Laulala's journey: From Rugby Legend to Emerging Real Estate Talent

For Casey Laulala, stepping away from professional rugby marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Now, as a real estate agent with Harcourts in Christchurch, he’s channeling the same determination that propelled him to the pinnacle of rugby into helping clients navigate the property market.

“Real estate is so much more than just transactions,” Casey reflects. “It’s about connecting with people. Every client, every home, every situation is unique, and that’s what motivates me every day.”

Known for embracing challenges throughout his career, Casey brings this mindset to his new profession. While rugby offered structured schedules and clear goals, he acknowledges the demands of creating his own path in real estate.

“This is just the start for me,” he explains. “In sport, the framework is already there. Here, I’m responsible for building my own routine.”

Casey’s day begins with an early rise, hitting the gym and preparing for the day before arriving at the office by 8:30 am. “Waking up at 5 am sets the tone for everything,” he says. “It’s not easy, but it keeps me disciplined.”

His journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Born in Samoa, Casey moved to New Zealand at 14 to attend school, initially with dreams of pursuing tennis. However, it wasn’t long before rugby took over.

His talent and dedication saw him progress through the ranks, culminating in the honour of wearing the All Black jersey.

The values instilled through rugby—discipline, persistence, and attention to detail—continue to guide him. “Those lessons stay with you,” he says. “Now, I’m applying them to a completely different arena.”

After retiring from rugby in 2018, Casey explored coaching, including stints with Racing 92 in Paris and Canterbury in New Zealand, but he felt something was missing.

“Playing was always my passion, and coaching didn’t give me the same feeling,” he shares. “I wanted something where I could be in control and build my own path, and real estate offered that.”

Casey has embraced his new career with unexpected enthusiasm. “It’s harder than anything I faced on the field,” he admits. “But it’s rewarding in ways I never anticipated. Every day, I get to make a real impact on people’s lives.”

While he sometimes misses the camaraderie of team sports, Casey has found a supportive community among his colleagues at Harcourts. “There’s a sense of unity here,” he says. “Everyone is working towards shared goals, and that makes a huge difference as I find my footing.”

One of the most significant adjustments has been the responsibility of guiding clients through major decisions. “People may recognise me from my rugby days, but handling someone’s biggest investment is a whole different level of trust,” he explains. “I take that responsibility seriously, always striving to be the professional they can depend on.”

Reinvention has been a recurring theme in Casey’s life, from his teenage years to his current role. He believes that with the right mindset, any challenge can become an opportunity.

“Adapting to change is essential,” he says. “In real estate, it’s about staying focused on what you can control—building relationships, putting in the work, and staying optimistic.”

This approach has already yielded promising results.

“There’s no secret formula,” Casey says. “It’s about showing up for people and fostering meaningful connections. My goal is to consistently perform well, but it’s not about comparing myself to others. It’s about being better than I was yesterday.”

For Casey, the competition now is internal—a quest for growth and continuous improvement. “Every step forward is a win,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going.”