LA Giltinis Release
The LA Giltinis has appointed former British & Irish Lions Prop Alex Corbisiero as the Club’s Scrum Coach for the 2021 Major League Rugby season.
The NBC Sports commentator has played a pivotal role in the development and promotion of Rugby in the United States, being a key influencer in the US sporting media landscape and working alongside various college programs across the country.
Although capped 31 times for England, Corbisiero was born in the United States, returning to his place of birth following his retirement from English Rugby in 2017, where he now resides with his fiancé, USA Sevens captain, Abby Gustaitis.
Having played over 100 English Premiership matches and representing England at every age level, Corbisiero will bring a new edge to Darren Coleman’s coaching staff, alongside former Wallaby, Stephen Holies.
“I’m super excited to take on this role with the Giltinis, it’s no secret that my love of the scrum and its technical intricacies,” said Corbisiero.
“I’m looking forward to getting in on the ground floor of this new franchise and working with this talented coaching group to help build a competitive product on the field in our debut season.
“Having coached with the RFU (England Rugby) through their player pathway programs at a U18 and U20 level, I have a genuine passion in mentoring young players, and with the athletic talent in the US, and in particular Los Angeles, this was a huge attraction to the role.”
A former international front rower himself, General Manager Adam Freier said this area of the game has now become its own ‘special teams’, which would require the very best in leadership.
“I was first drawn to Alex as a player against the Wallabies for the British & Irish Lions Test Series in Australia, he was incredibly energetic and passionate on the field and his teammates really played off his energy,” said Freier.
“Having followed Alex’s career in the media and first connecting with him to gage his interest in the role, it was of no surprise that he carried those same qualities when speaking about tactical scrummaging and coaching.
“Scrummaging is such a critical component to a successful professional Rugby team, but sustainable development and educating the next generation of kids out of Los Angeles is far more important and where I believe he (Corbisiero) will bring the greatest level of value to the franchise.
“Adding to this, he is a quality guy who genuinely loves Rugby and wants the sport to thrive here in the US – which is a common goal amongst the entire staff in LA.”
The Giltinis will kick off their Major League Rugby campaign on the weekend of March 20, 2021, with the team officially forming for pre-season camp from February.
For more info on the MLR season and how to support the LA Giltinis, head to www.giltinis.com
