RFCLA team named for Round 1 showdown against 2024 Champions
RFCLA Head Coach Steve Hoiles has announced the 15 starters and 8 finishers for this Saturday, February 15, "Opening Night" against the reigning MLR Champions, the New England Free Jacks, at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, kicking at 6:00 PM PST.
With General Admission tickets nearing a sellout, the match promises to be an exciting clash in the team’s new home at UCLA.
The starting 23 includes nine MLR debutants, including global rugby stars Gonzalo Bertranou and Christian Lealiifano, who will start together in the halves for the first time.
Additionally, three uncapped RFCLA players—Mike Sosene-Feagai, Maliu Niuafe, and Christian Dyer—have returned to their home state of California to play for LA in 2025.
As announced with week, the team will be led by Captain Jason Damm, Vice-Captain Christian Lealiifano, and Club Captain Billy Meakes, who will finish the game in the centers.
With over 250 Super Rugby Caps added to the squad, the team will calling on it's experience leaders to guide the young side, with many players unavailable for selection due to injury.
“We have had a short, but really positive pre-season, having only been together since early January," said Head Coach Steve Hoiles.
“We have had some really challenging times in Los Angeles this year, and as an entire organization, our heart continues to go out to those who were affected by fires, and now floods.
“To be able to go to Fiji has really boosted the side, and the Club is building upon our aspirations of being a global brand. The training environment and the work the players put in were really impressive, which obviously made selections difficult for us coaches, which is a good thing.
“We have picked a competitive side with a combination of experience and youth, against the Free Jacks who have won the last two Championships, and that will allow us to get a really good gauge to see where we are as a Club this Saturday at Wallis Annenberg Stadium.
“Having been up to UCLA the other night, the team is really excited about playing there, and are ready to go. Knowing we will be back next Sunday as well is something I know the players are looking forward to—there is a real buzz around the group about being at UCLA, that’s for sure—fans and families are going to love it.”
RFCLA Team to face the New England Free Jacks, Satuurday, Febuary 15, 6pm PST at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA
01 Alessandro Heaney
02 Ben Sugars*
03 Cronan Gleeson
04 Jason Damm (C)
05 Reegan O'gorman
06 Timothy Anstee*
07 Ed Timpson*
08 Ben Houston*
09 Gonzalo Bertranou*
10 Christian Lealiifano*
11 Andrew Coe
12 Nick Chan*
13 Matias Jensen*
14 Christian Dyer
15 Cameron Gerlach*
16 Mike Sosene-Feagai
17 Declan Leaney*
18 Maliu Niuafe*
19 Benjamin Strang
20 Matthew Heaton
20 Tas Smith
22 Billy Meakes
23 Seth Purdey
