Old Glory DC re-signed Danny Tusitala for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 30-year-old scrumhalf is 5’11” and 182 lbs.
In 2021, Danny played 1,212 minutes in 16 matches as a starter. The scrumhalf scored five tries, completed 966 passes, accounted for 62 kicks over 1,497 meters, and handled 41 ball carries over 280 meters. He also topped the MLR Leader Board with ten try assists in 2021.
In the Fall of 2021, Tusitala joined the New Zealand National Provincial Championship side, Hawke’s Bay Magpies. The team had a 7-1 record and beat Tasman Rugby Club to retain the Ranfurly Shield in Napier.
During the 2020 MLR season, Tusitala played 390 minutes at scrumhalf for Old Glory in five matches and ended the shortened season with two tries, 302 passes, 23 ball carries over 127 meters, 14 kicks over 389 meters, and 31 tackles.
Danny is from Auckland, New Zealand, and played club rugby for Ardmore Marist as well as for New Zealand Marist in 2011.
Danny developed his rugby skills at Kelston Boy’s High School in the Waitakere region of Auckland, New Zealand.
In 2015 Danny had a trial with the Samoa National Sevens Team before switching to rugby 15s in 2016. He played for Samoa A in the 2016 Americas Pacific Challenge. He made his for the Samoa National Team against Georgia on June 11, 2016, and played the last of his 3 tests against Canada on November 25, 2016.
From 2017-2019 he played for Aurillac in the French Pro D2 and in 2019 played with Ponsonby Rugby Club. With the latter club, he worked his way through the 1st U85kg Hustlers to the Premier Development team to the Premier Auckland Mitre 10 Cup team during 2019.
Danny also played rugby sevens for Samoa from 2018-2019 on the HSBC Sevens Series.
Old Glory DC Comments
“I’m really excited to be back in the Capital for another season,” comments Danny Tusitala on returning to Old Glory. “DC has become my home away from home. Last season was tough, the team learned a lot, and it also taught me a lot about myself on and off the field. Exciting times are ahead for us as a club as we continue to build and grow the game in the DMV. Looking forward to seeing you all next season!”
“Danny is in his third year with Old Glory, and he’s been a consistent factor in everything we’ve achieved as a club,” said Head Coach Andrew Douglas on Tusitala returning to the District. “Danny is a leader within our squad, and he brings knowledge, excitement, and energy every day. The younger players look up to him, and the senior players trust him. It’s great to have Danny continue his rugby journey with us, and I know he will again be a key player in the MLR this upcoming season.”
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