LA Giltinis have signed former Wallaby David Dennis through the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 34-year-old (35 in January) lock/blindside flanker/No.8 is 6’4″ and 250 lbs. He will also serve as a youth development coach with the team.
Dave was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He attended Richmond High School in Sydney and in 2004 played for the Australian Schoolboys.
Dave played for the Super Rugby Waratahs between 2007-2016, making 107 appearances and scoring 10 tries. He captained the team in 2013 and the team won the Super Rugby Championship in 2014. In 2015 he made 2 appearances for the Sydney Stars and also played for the Penrith Emus. In 2016 he signed with the English Premiership Exeter Chiefs and went on to earn 59 caps, starting 47 times, through the 2020 season. During his final season with the Chiefs, the team won the English Premiership, as well as the European Rugby Champions Cup.
He also earned 18 caps for the Wallabies between 2012-2013, starting 8 times. His debut came against Scotland on June 5, 2012, and his last test was against Wales on November 30, 2013.
Dave is also the brother-in-law of Austin Gilgronis Assistant Coach Mark Gerrard.
LA Giltinis Comments
“I’ve played for two proud clubs with long histories and what really excites me about the Giltinis is trying to build something special from the start at a new franchise,” Dennis said.
“There’s always been plenty of talk about American rugby being a sleeping giant and you do marvel at the athleticism in American sports.”
“My mindset is to win this competition and I’m sure the club has signed guys with the same ambition because the greatest fun is not just through winning respect but winning.”
Dennis’s expertise in Rugby is world-class, which is why his role off the field leading the club’s youth and development program will play a monumental part in the Club’s foundations and pillars to build.
“Helping to develop young talent is something that motivates me now and for the future so there’s a great opportunity at a club creating a really good pathway to the American Eagles and Rugby World Cups.
“I feel I’m bringing something of what I’ve learned about winning team cultures from my 13 years in professional rugby.
Giltinis’ fans will enjoy the leadership that Dennis brings at scrum and lineout time while his team-orientated ways will be a plus for all around the club in its foundation season.
The decorated Wallaby said the chance to live, with his wife Mo’onia and three young children, in a pulsing city like Los Angeles also played a big part.
“I’m forever grateful for the places around the world I’ve been and the people I’ve met through rugby,” Dennis said.
“My oldest son Francis (6) already loves his sports so Mo’onia and I are going to be spoilt for choice around LA.”
Giltinis head coach Darren Coleman is delighted to have Dennis as a core member of his pack.
“Dave is a true leader who is renowned internationally for what he brings to a team culturally,” Giltinis head coach Darren Coleman said.
“After a great Super Rugby career, he’s spent the last few years at Exeter, which is close to, if not, the world leader in forward’s play.
“I looking forward to learning from him as his new teammates in the pack will.”
“His dual role with our youth and development programs will also play a massive role for the Club, not only in the next 1-2 years but in 10 years’ time.”
The Giltinis will kick off their MLR campaign on the weekend of March 20, 2021, with tickets being available by the end of this year.
For more info on the MLR season and how to support the LA Giltinis, head to www.giltinis.com
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