Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Four years ago, Aquinas College didn't have a men's rugby program. Today, the Saints are competing among the nation's best, earning three consecutive Collegiate 7s National Championship appearances and establishing themselves as one of collegiate rugby's fastest-rising programs.
Since arriving at Aquinas in the winter of 2021 as the inaugural head coach of the men's rugby program, Hohaia has transformed a brand-new program into a national contender while building a culture rooted in accountability, resilience and personal growth. Nothing about that transformation happened overnight. It was built upon decades of experience, world-class competition and a philosophy that values people before victories.
Building a Program from the Ground Up
In just four seasons, Hohaia has guided Aquinas from a startup program to one of the country's premier collegiate rugby teams.
What began with a 4-5 inaugural fall season in 2022 quickly developed into sustained national success. The Saints have qualified for three consecutive Collegiate 7s National Championships, highlighted by a Premier Bowl Championship appearance during the 2023-24 season.
This past season marked another milestone as Aquinas finished 18-8-1 and posted a 3-2 record at the Collegiate 7s National Championship, earning victories over Delaware (38-0), Rio Grande (38-7) and Wisconsin (38-12).
While the results speak for themselves, Hohaia believes lasting success extends far beyond the scoreboard.
Since arriving on campus, he has emphasized building young men first and rugby players second, creating an environment where accountability, discipline and service to others are just as important as performance on the field.
A Career Built on Excellence
Long before arriving in Grand Rapids, Hohaia had already earned international recognition as one of rugby league's most accomplished and versatile players.
Nicknamed "The Huntly Hurricane" after his hometown of Huntly, New Zealand, Hohaia played more than 300 professional matches during a 15-year career. He spent 11 seasons with the New Zealand Warriors, becoming one of only six players in club history to appear in 10 consecutive seasons for the organization.
Comfortable at five-eighth, halfback, hooker, center and fullback, Hohaia became known for his adaptability and ability to impact games wherever he was needed.
Internationally, he represented New Zealand from 2002-11, helping the Kiwis capture the 2005 Tri Nations title, the historic 2008 Rugby League World Cup championship and the 2010 Four Nations crown.
After concluding his playing career with St. Helens in England, where he helped the club win the 2014 Super League Championship, Hohaia turned his attention toward coaching, bringing decades of elite playing experience with him.
Michigan Has Become Home
Although rugby carried Hohaia across New Zealand, England and eventually the United States, West Michigan has become much more than another destination. Since arriving in Grand Rapids in 2015 following the conclusion of his professional career, he has built a life centered on family, coaching and community.
For Hohaia, the decision to stay in Michigan begins with his two sons, Tyler and Riley.
"My boys are here, and being close to them is important to me, so Michigan is home for me now," Hohaia said.
Growing up in New Zealand, he never imagined he would one day call Michigan home. While he remains proud of his Kiwi heritage, the years spent in West Michigan have become an important part of his journey.
"I'll always be a Kiwi at heart, and that will always shape the way I see the world, but Michigan has become an important part of my story too," Hohaia said. "My boys are here, I've made some close friendships here, and coaching at Aquinas has given me the chance to stay connected to sport, which has been a huge part of my life."
Away from rugby, Hohaia has embraced the lifestyle that West Michigan offers. Whether it's spending time on the lakes and trails, mountain biking, hiking or traveling with his sons, he has found a pace of life that suits this chapter of his life—even if the snowy winters still require some adjustment.
Living in three different countries has also broadened his perspective and shaped the way he leads.
"I've had to learn and adapt to American culture while still holding on to the parts of being a Kiwi that are important to me," Hohaia said. "I think it has helped me as a coach because I'm constantly working with young men from different backgrounds and I've had to work out what makes each of them tick."
That perspective has become one of the foundations of the culture he continues to build at Aquinas.
"It's not just about rugby," Hohaia said. "It's about helping them grow as people, navigate challenges and learn what it takes to be part of something bigger than themselves."
International Recognition, Local Impact
Although more than a decade has passed since his professional playing career ended, Hohaia continues to earn recognition throughout the rugby world.
Earlier this year, The Big League, one of rugby league's longtime publications, featured Hohaia in its "Catchin' Up With..." series, highlighting both his decorated playing career and the work he is now doing as head coach at Aquinas.
The feature reflected something those around the Saints program have witnessed firsthand. While Hohaia's accomplishments as a player earned him international respect, his greatest impact today comes through the student-athletes he mentors and the culture he has established within the program.
A Legacy Still Being Written
World championships, international appearances and more than 300 professional matches have already secured Hohaia's place in rugby history. At Aquinas, however, he is building a legacy measured by something different.
Every season brings another opportunity to develop leaders, challenge young men to grow and continue building a program that reflects the values he has carried throughout his life.
"Lance's résumé speaks for itself, but it doesn't tell the whole story," said Athletic Communications Director Joey Sutherlin. "Anyone can look at the championships, the World Cup and the professional career and recognize how accomplished he was as a player. What they don't always see is the passion he brings to developing young men every single day. He challenges them to compete, to lead, to serve and to become better people. The wins matter, but they'll never be his greatest accomplishment. Years from now, it'll be the men who leave Aquinas better prepared for life because they played for Lance Hohaia. That's the legacy he's building every day."
For Hohaia, coaching has become more than a second career. It is an opportunity to invest in the next generation, ensuring that the lessons learned across a world-class playing career continue to shape lives long after the final whistle.
