Israel Leota was born in Porirua, Wellington. He moved to Australia with his family at an early age and attended Ipswich Grammar, switching between rugby league and union before committing to the former at the age of 16.

He was a member of the Brisbane Broncos’ top 30 squad and represented the Queensland Under-19 State of Origin side in 2023 and 2024.

He signed with Moana Pasifika for the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons to chase a dream in rugby union.

In 2025 Leota played for the Karmichael Hunt-coached Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup. The winger ended the regular season in second place on the competition ladder for tries scored and linebreaks made.

Moana Pasifika debut: Yet to debut