Old Glory DC is excited to welcome scrum-half Danny Tusitala back to the squad for the 2022 Major League Rugby season. In 2021, Danny appeared in all 16 matches for 1,212 minutes of playing time. The scrumhalf scored five tries, completed 966 passes, accounted for 62 kicks over 1,497 meters, and handled 41 ball carries over 280 meters. He also topped the MLR Leader Board with ten try assists in 2021.
“I’m really excited to be back in the Capital for another season,” comments Danny Tusitala on returning to Old Glory. “DC has become my home away from home. Last season was tough, the team learned a lot, and it also taught me a lot about myself on and off the field. Exciting times are ahead for us as a club as we continue to build and grow the game in the DMV. Looking forward to seeing you all next season!”
In the Fall of 2021, Tusitala joined the New Zealand National Provincial Championship side, Hawke’s Bay Magpies. The team managed a 7-1 record and beat Tasman Rugby Club to retain the Ranfurly Shield in Napier.
“Danny is in his third year with Old Glory, and he’s been a consistent factor in everything we’ve achieved as a club,” said Head Coach Andrew Douglas on Tusitala returning to the District. “Danny is a leader within our squad, and he brings knowledge, excitement, and energy every day. The younger players look up to him, and the senior players trust him. It’s great to have Danny continue his rugby journey with us, and I know he will again be a key player in the MLR this upcoming season.”
Tusitala got his start at Kelston Boy’s High School in the Waitakere region of Auckland, New Zealand. The half-back has played for Ponsonby club, a team in the Auckland Rugby Union and famous for producing a number of All Blacks. In 2015-16, Tusitala had the honor of being called up to Manu Samoa, the Samoa national rugby union team. He debuted during Samoa’s tour of Georgia on Jun 11, 2016, where the match ultimately ended as a draw. Tusitala returned in November, 2016, during a test match against Canada, where Samoa won 25-23. From 2018 to 2019, the back was called up to play again with Manu Samoa during the HSBC Sevens Series.
