The American Raptors signed Uatesoni ‘Watson’ Filikitonga for the 2023 Super Rugby Americas season. The 25-year-old center is 6’1″ and 228 lbs.
Watson was signed by the LA Giltinis for the 2021 Major League Rugby season and played 7 minutes in two matches. He also played for their Academy team. He has played with the American Raptors since 2021.
Watson was born in Tonga but raised in San Mateo, California, and attended San Mateo High School. He concentrated on football while in high school and was a running back and middle linebacker. His brother, USA Eagle #470 center Lemoto Filikitonga finally got him into Rugby at the end of high school before he graduated in 2015.
He considered attending the University of Hawaii, However, Iona College Head Coach Bruce McLane recruited him and he was a physical presence in the Gael’s Midfield as a ball carrier and defender. Watson graduated from Iona with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
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