The Houston SaberCats signed Will Vakalahi for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. The 23-year-old tighthead/loosehead prop (24 in June) is 5’11” and 270 lbs.
Will played 67 minutes in 6 matches for Old Glory DC in 2022. He then played for Rugby HTX, the Houston SaberCats Academy team in the American Rugby Premiership.
Will was injured during the 2021 preseason and did not play in any regular-season matches in 2021. He played 162 minutes in five matches, starting twice, during the truncated 2020 MLR season, and carried the ball 10 times.
Will started at loosehead prop against Shannon Rugby Club in his only appearance during the 2019 exhibition season. He then joined the USA U20s for two matches against Canada in the World Rugby Trophy qualifier.
Will is from Granger, Indiana, and attended Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. He played No.8 in high school and helped the team to a Boys High School Rugby Nationals third-place finish, as well as becoming Indiana State Champions. He was an Under-17s All-American and a nominee for the best high school player in the nation.
Will attended Davenport University during the 2017-2018 season on a scholarship. He was named to the FloRugby Top Freshman D1A team. He also was invited to the USA Rugby Under-20s Camp and was selected to the Junior All-Americans at No 8 against Belmont Shore Rugby Football Club.
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