Auckland, NZ Native Danny Tusitala Re-joins Old Glory DC for a Second Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Washington, DC (January 6, 2021) – In a move sure to excite and please the rugby supporters of greater Washington, Old Glory DC has re-signed 2020 scrumhalf Danny Tusitala. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Tusitala joined Old Glory DC for its inaugural MLR season on a one-year contract in 2020. Before joining the MLR team, the scrumhalf had represented Samoa’s national rugby union team in various test matches and a dozen tournaments on the World Sevens Series.
During the 2020 MLR season, Tusitala played 390 minutes at scrumhalf for Old Glory in five matches and ended the shortened season with two tries, 302 passes, 23 ball carries over 127 meters, 14 kicks over 389 meters, and 31 tackles. The spirited Auckland native quickly became a D.C. crowd favorite largely because of his fiery personality on the pitch and his reputation for sporting an equally wild bleached hair-do. Tusitala joined the team leadership group, adding a high tier of professionalism, experience, and knowledge that proved invaluable during the 2020 season. He served as an attack leader, helping Coach Douglas and other leaders devise game plans each week of the MLR season.
“Danny had a great debut MLR season and proved to be one of the elite halfbacks in the competition,” said Head Coach Andrew Douglas. “He is an important member of the squad. He brings speed, leadership and energy to our group and understands the game very well. When Danny is on the field, things happen and his ability to read the game and predict play is high class. He is a leader in our group and gives the team a point of difference and confidence. It’s great to have him back in DC and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
Since March, Tusitala has been residing in Auckland with his wife and three kids and joined the Auckland Rugby in their Mitre 10 Cup campaign. Tusitala launches a new chapter in this MLR career in 2021.
OG Supporters can see Danny Tusitala take the pitch during Old Glory’s home opener on March 27th. Become a season ticket holder and follow the team during the 2021 MLR campaign.
