Rugby ATL re-signed Martini Talapusi for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The 25-year-old flyhalf/fullback (26 in April) is 6’0″ and 217 lbs.
Martini played in all five matches during the truncated 2020 MLR season and started in the fifth week at fullback.
Martini is from Vaiala/Malie, Samoa. He was introduced to rugby when he was five years old in school and captained Samoa U18s on their tour of New Zealand. That gained him a scholarship to attend St. Andrew’s College in Christchurch. He also attended the University of Canterbury before moving to San Francisco to play with the San Francisco Rush in 2016. Martini also played with Life West Rugby Club with Rush Coach Adriann Ferris the Head Coach.
In 2017 he played with the USA Selects in Uruguay at the Americas Pacific Cup with current Rugby ATL Head Coach Scott Lawrence the coach.
Martini has been a standout player for Life West in the California Cup and in the Pacific Rugby Premiership. Following an injury sustained last year, he has recovered and played in the Fall with 404 Rugby ATL in the American Rugby Premiership and his performance led to his signing with Rugby ALT for 2020.
Rugby ATL Comments
Rugby ATL is proud to announce the contract extension of Martini Talapusi. “Tini”, as the kids call him, is a hard ball-carrier with a big boot. The former “Pro Rugby” player from the San Francisco Rush, played in all 5 matches during the inaugural season for RATL. Tini can compete at either the Fly-Half or Full-Back positions, making him a versatile option for Coach Allan’s attack plan.
“We were lucky to sign Martini last year and we are excited to have him back again for next season. In the last 2 games, Tini was electric off the bench, and with a healthy offseason I’m sure he’ll be ready to do some damage in 2021,” said General Manager & Head Coach Scott Lawrence.
Tini actively participates in Pathway 404’s youth development program alongside his girlfriend, Elizabeth Cairns (WNT Eagle #231). Off the ball, Martini is pursuing his pilot’s wings and enjoys flying drones over the world’s most scenic views.
RATLERS, please help us in welcoming back, @martinitalapusi!
