RFCLA Team Named for Round 1 Showdown against 2024 Champions
Published on February 14, 2025 under Major League Rugby (MLR)
Rugby FC Los Angeles News Release
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.
Cameron Gerlach a surprise start for the RFCLA in Round 1. Photo: RFCLA Media
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.
Maliu Niuafe returns to California from NZ to make his debut MLR debut. Photo: RFCLA Media
RFCLA Team to face the New England Free Jacks, Satuurday, Febuary 15, 6pm PST at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA
Tickets for New England Free Jacks this Saturday, February 15th, at 6 p.m. at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA, on sale now!
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
Tickets for New England Free Jacks this Saturday, February 15th, at 6 p.m. at Wallis Annenberg Stadium, UCLA, on sale now!
Major League Rugby Stories from February 14, 2025
- Major League Rugby, King & Spalding Unveil Partnership - MLR
- RFCLA Team Named for Round 1 Showdown against 2024 Champions - Rugby FC Los Angeles
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