The front row is a product of the storied Penn High School program in Mishawaka, Indiana and was a nominee for the best high school player in the nation. A standout at the US under 20 camp in May, Vakalahi caught the eye of Andrew Douglas and Old Glory recruiting staff and signed to the 2019 exhibition season. On his 2019 signing, Old Glory DC owner Paul Sheehy said: “Will has the form and function of a world-class tight head prop and his biggest strengths are his mobility and work ethic.” While the prop only started in the inaugural match on May 19th against Shannon RFC, Vakalahi proved himself a playmaker and dedicated worker, both on and off the pitch.
Vakalahi’s family has a rugby-rich history, with both he and his two brothers earning scholarships to Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His dad, Sione, played rugby and has supported all of his kids on the field, all over the United States and abroad.
