Olympic gold medallist and all MLR forward Semi Kunatani returns

The 192cm, 100kg flanker has plied his trade around the world in both Sevens and XVs, including helping Fiji to an historic gold medal at the Rio Games in 2016.

Kunatani added to his medal cabinet with a silver for Fiji in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Making his debut for the Fiji Sevens in 2013, Kunatani played on the World Series for four seasons, including at the Rio games, before making his Test XVs debut.

The powerful backrower went on to feature for the Flying Fijians at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, going on to notch 10 Test caps.

At a league level, Kunatani, 34, has played for French side Toulouse, Harlequins in the English Premiership and the Tel Aviv Heat, before joining LA in the MLR last season.

"I cant wait to get back to LA for the MLR season next year." Said Kunatani.

"This year was the first time i joined MLR after suffering an ankle injury and missed out about a year and a half of rugby but am glad that MLR gave me another opportunity.

"Starting off this year with this group was amazing and for a team that just joined MLR, there is no doubt that we will make it to the top"

RFCLA Director of Rugby Stephen Hoiles said he was thrilled to welcome Kunatani back to California.

“Semi is such a valuable member of this squad and he will be a real anchor for us in the back row this season,” he said.

“He was one of the best players on the Sevens World Series and has made a big impact in XVs now as well.

“He’s certainly among the top forwards in the competition and we’re really pleased to have him at RFCLA for another year.”

See Semi in action in LA in 2025! Rugby Football Club Los Angeles Season Tickets now available here!