LA Giltinis Release
The LA Giltinis have completed their coaching roster with an eye to the future, with the local appointment of former San Francisco Rush Flyhalf and New Zealand Rugby champion, Orene Ai’i as LA Giltinis Skills Coach,
With a decorated professional career that stemmed for over 18 years across Europe, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, the former World Series Sevens and Auckland Blues utility back has spent the last six years in Los Angeles, playing a pivotal role in youth and development programs across California.
“I’m really honored and excited about the opportunity to be a part of the LA Giltinis coaching staff and looking forward to working alongside our management and especially our players in bringing success to the Giltinis and the LA rugby community.” Said Ai’i.
“Having been in the US and California for a long time, I have a passion for the game at all levels, from the pros to the club (amateur), as well as the junior and youth programs.
“It is a real privilege to be working with these incredible athletes and some of the rookies in the squad. They are the future of LA rugby, and our goal is to see as many of those young players becoming USA Eagles, and legends of our sport.”
General Manager Adam Freier said the appointment of Ai’i was a watershed moment for the franchise and its future.
“This appointment is the final piece of the coaching puzzle and Orene was the perfect fit.” Said Freier
“Orene is an incredibly experienced and skillful Rugby player with a deep connection to the local Rugby community here in Los Angeles, especially at a club level and junior development,” said Freier.
“Our coaching roster is now internationally acclaimed. They all have a winning mentality and all of our Assistant Coaches (Wallaby Stephen Hoiles and Alex Corbisiero of England and now Orene Ai’i) have played and had success at the highest level around the world.
“When it comes to sport our city deserves the very best, and this is a world-class Rugby program.”
For more info on the MLR season and how to support the LA Giltinis, head to www.giltinis.com
Other Articles
DJCoil Rugby articles by Doug Coil are also available on Facebook. Other Social Media sites to follow or subscribe include Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for interviews.