While Larsen was born in Parksville, Canada, the young flanker spent his formative childhood years in Paihia, New Zealand growing up and learning the sport of rugby. After graduating from Kerikeri High School, Larsen headed to Massey University, where he received a Bachelors degree in business with a double major in Management and Property Studies.
Larsen represented New Zealand Universities in their 2013 tri-nations championship run. From 2014 to 2016, the forward played professionally with Rugby Lyons Piacenza and Petrarca Rugby in the Italy Top12 league. While with Rugby Lyons, Larsen was honored with the Man-of-the-Match selection for the final Serie A victory.
Returning to Canada in late 2016, Larsen was called up to the National Canadian team several times from 2016 to 2018 for several European Tours and the 2018 Americas Pacific Challenge. Most recently, Travis Larsen shared the pitch with his brother, Josh Larsen, during the 2019 Major League Rugby season on the Austin Elite (now Austin Herd). Josh Larsen is currently representing Canada in the World Rugby Cup in Japan.
On joining Old Glory, Travis Larsen said, “I’m really excited to be a part of this new franchise. I heard the fan support in the exhibition season was amazing and I look forward to seeing a packed crowd for our first MLR game.”
Coach Andrew Douglas said, “It’s great having Travis on board. He already has International and MLR experience and I’m sure having grown up in New Zealand he’ll bring a hard-nosed approach to the game. His work ethic and desire to constantly compete will be a real asset for us.”
Looking forward to 2020 and beyond, Larsen said, “I want to do everything I can to help build a strong culture both on and off the field with Old Glory. Through this, I hope we can bring some exciting and winning rugby to Washington this season.”
About Old Glory DC:
Old Glory DC is a professional rugby team based in Washington, DC that will enter league competition with Major League Rugby (MLR) in February of 2020. Old Glory will compete in MLR’s Eastern Conference against teams from Atlanta, New England, New Orleans, New York, and Toronto, as well as play games against Western Conference teams Austin, Glendale, Houston, San Diego, Seattle, and Utah. For more information and to join our email list, please visit www.oldglorydc.com
About Major League Rugby:
Major League Rugby (MLR) is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018 and will enter its third season in February of 2020. It is an initiative driven by members of the North American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that North American Rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as an influential entity within international rugby; as a participation sport at the youth & senior levels; and as a commercial enterprise. MLR is the pinnacle of American rugby and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes. For more information, visit https://www.majorleague.rugby
