Austin Elite Rugby Management announced the signing of Sione Fangaiuiha for the 2018 Major League Rugby season.
Sione Fangaiuiha grew up in Canberra, Australia and has been playing rugby since the age of 10. His past teams include the Tuggernong Vikings under 18s, Wests Lions rugby first grade side, ACT rugby league school boys, the Canberra Raiders Rugby League U20s, and the Austin Blacks for USA Club 7s. In 2017 he was named as a USA Collegiate All American honorable mention, and Collegiate All American First 7’s team.
Sione be joining the Austin Elite Rugby as an outside center. He currently attends Arkansas State University where he will graduate with a degree in computer science in December.
Sione’s College rugby career was split between playing for Lindenwood University from 2013-2016 and included a National Championship in 2015. He then transferred to Arkansas State University and has played there from the Fall 2016 season to his graduation in December, 2017.
During the Spring 2017 season with the Red Wolves, the team made it to the Varsity Cup Final against Cal where he scored a try. Arkansas State also made it the Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship 2017 Quarterfinals, losing to his former team.
Sione Fangaiuiha Comments
Sione said to Austin Elite Rugby that “I am very excited for this opportunity to play professionally for Austin Elite not only to play alongside very talented players from around the world, but I am also looking forward to learning from them and the coaching staff.” Please welcome Sione to the Major League Rugby 2018 season in Austin.
Sione commented to DJCoil Rugby that “I feel very blessed and fortunate enough to be part of a professional league like Major League Rugby to contribute to the growth of the game. I’m very excited to join the Austin Elite Rugby franchise and to play alongside some very talented players and some world class coaches and staff.
The quality of talent and athleticism I’ve seen throughout college and club rugby here in the U.S. is right up there with the quality back home, so I know it won’t be an easy ride. It will definitely contribute to improving my game as a player and I’m sure it goes to other players too.
I’ve been away from home for a long time and it is hard at times, but I am grateful for Lindenwood University, Arkansas State University, other rugby clubs, friends, and of course my family. They have gone beyond efforts to take care of me and motivate me to get to where I am today and I am grateful for that.”
Austin Elite Rugby
Austin Elite Rugby is a Professional Rugby team based in Austin Texas, and we are excited to bring Professional Rugby to Central Texas and the City of Austin
As a proud member of Major League Rugby, Austin Elite Rugby embodies the sport’s inclusive ethos. Developing players from youth to professional is at the heart of Austin Elite Rugby, creating a world-class experience for players and fans to enjoy the game.
Austin Elite Rugby Signings
- Alain Hyardet – Head Coach
- Rick Medina – Corporate Sales Manager
- Peter Malcolm – Hooker
- Zinzan Elan-Puttick – Fullback
- Sione Fangaihuia – Center
- Vetekina Malafu – Wing
- Michael Reid – Scrumhalf
- Mason Pedersen – Loosehead Prop
- Zac Mizell – Flyhalf, Utility Back
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