Old Glory DC re-signed Will Vakalahi for the 2020 Major League Rugby season. The 20-year-old tighthead prop is 5’10” and 275 lbs.
Will started at loosehead prop against Shannon Rugby Club in his only appearance during the 2019 exhibition season. He then joined the USA U20s for two matches against Canada in the World Rugby Trophy qualifier.
Will is from Granger, Indiana and attended Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. He played No.8 in high school and helped the team to a Boys High School Rugby Nationals third-place finish, as well as becoming Indiana State Champions. He was an Under-17s All American and a nominee for the best high school player in the nation.
Will attended Davenport University during the 2017-2018 season on a scholarship. He was named to the FloRugby Top Freshman D1A team. He also was invited to the USA Rugby Under-20s Camp and was selected to the Junior All-Americans at No 8 against Belmont Shore Rugby Football Club.
Old Glory DC Comments
On his 2019 signing, Old Glory DC owner Paul Sheehy said: “Will has the form and function of a world-class tighthead prop and his biggest strengths are his mobility and work ethic.” While the prop only started in the inaugural match on May 19th against Shannon RFC, Vakalahi proved himself a playmaker and dedicated worker, both on and off the pitch.
Vakalahi’s family has a rugby-rich history, with both he and his two brothers earning scholarships to Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His dad, Sione, played rugby and has supported all of his kids on the field, all over the United States and abroad.
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