San Diego Legion's 2024 Season Recap: Triumphs, Transitions, and Elevating Rugby in North America
A Message From Our CEO
Reflecting on the 2024 MLR season, it’s clear we’ve experienced both challenges and incredible triumphs. Under Head Coach Danny Lee’s guidance, our team finished with a strong 11-5 record. Our home games at Snapdragon Stadium were especially memorable, boasting a commendable 6-2 record. These games not only reinforced our stronghold at home but also showcased our players’ intense effort and dedication. Moreover, the unique ‘rugbytainment’ experience we’ve cultivated - featuring tailgating, kids’ clinics with our pros, local live music, and an electrifying in-game atmosphere - has ignited local fans and captured the attention of the international rugby community. This blend of sport and spectacle is fast becoming a hallmark of the Legion experience.
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
I’d like to highlight the exceptional contributions of some of our prominent players, who demonstrated outstanding skill on the field and significantly influenced our team culture and performance:
Ma’a Nonu - The legendary All Black brought an unmatched level of experience and skill to the team. With 103 Test caps for New Zealand, his presence has been a cornerstone for our strategic plays and a guiding force for younger players.
Matt Giteau - This international rugby star and Wallaby playmaker was instrumental throughout the season. His mentoring of our younger backs has been invaluable in developing a cohesive team dynamic.
Greg Peterson - Reflective of his role as the USA Eagles Captain, Greg’s consistent and assured leadership in the forward pack was outstanding this year. His performances have resonated through the team, lifting the standard of play and defining our forward strategy.
Blair Cowan - Retiring at the end of this season, Blair has been an inspirational figure within the San Diego Legion. Serving as our Captain for the past two years, Blair’s leadership both on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping our team’s identity. His unwavering commitment to the sport and our team, marked by his grit and toughness, has left an enduring legacy that will influence the Legion for years to come.
Mikey Te’o - Known for his dynamic gameplay as a fullback, Mikey has been a standout performer for both the USA national team and the San Diego Legion. Beyond his agility and keen game sense, Mikey has been a community pillar, deeply committed to youth development and using sports as a catalyst for positive change. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Legion, where his influence extended far beyond his on-field achievements.
Isaac Ross - A former All Black lock, Isaac brought vast experience and leadership to our team’s pack. His expertise was particularly influential in lineouts and scrums, where he provided stability and strategic insights. His retirement is a significant moment for the team, as his contributions have been crucial in strengthening our set-piece play.
International representatives from the San Diego Legion for the 2024 season:
USA Eagles Representatives:
Greg Peterson (Captain)
Viliami Helu
Paddy Ryan
Chris Mattina
Payton Telea
Cyrille Cama
Other International Representatives:
Canada: Djustice Sears-Duru
Tonga: Tupou Ma’afu Afungi
Samoa: Sam Malolo
USA National Sevens Olympic Team: Matai Leuta
A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP
We bid farewell to Head Coach Danny Lee, whose leadership guided the Legion to notable achievements, including a playoff appearance in his inaugural 8-8 season, a stellar 15-1 record reaching the MLR Championship Final in his second year, and a strong 11-5 finish this season. The San Diego Legion deeply appreciates Danny’s unwavering commitment to our Academy program and his efforts to enhance rugby’s stature locally and across Southern California. His community dedication has left an indelible mark on our players and supporters.
Stepping into the coaching role, we welcome John Manenti, who joins us from coaching Australia’s Men’s Sevens team. A seasoned tactician, John turned down a national team head coaching contract extension to bring his expertise to Major League Rugby. With a history of success, including leading Australia’s Women’s team and multiple championships in Australia, John’s extensive background is poised to propel the Legion to greater heights. We eagerly anticipate the leadership and innovation John will bring to our team.
SAN DIEGO - THE ICONIC DESTINATION FOR RUGBY IN NORTH AMERICA
We raised the bar for rugby in the U.S., starting with a stunning Drone Light Show featuring 300 drones during San Diego’s Big Bay Boom - the largest fireworks display in California. This electrifying event on Independence Day ignited a series of memorable activities over the six days from July 15-20, establishing San Diego as the premier destination for rugby in North America.
From July 15-17, the All Blacks Clinics, in collaboration with the Legion Community Foundation, hosted a transformative experience for 100 young rugby enthusiasts, led by All Black legend Ben Smith. Participants were immersed in the New Zealand All Blacks’ playing style, learning technical and tactical fundamentals, while also absorbing the All Blacks’ values of excellence, performance, and teamwork.
Highlighting the cultural aspect of the sport, the participants learned the haka, the traditional Māori ceremonial dance. They showcased their skills by performing it unexpectedly for the All Blacks during their final practice before their international game, much to the delight of the All Blacks players and the broader rugby community.
On July 17, the Imagine Rugby Concert Fundraiser united players and coaches from the SD Legion, All Blacks, and Flying Fijians in a vibrant celebration of rugby and community support. Hosted by Imagine Rugby and supported by the Legion Community Foundation, the event aimed to raise funds for flag rugby in school PE programs across the U.S. The evening featured captivating performances by Polynesian dancers, drummers, and musicians Sammy J and DJ Akrite, alongside a fundraising auction. The event successfully gathered a remarkable 550 attendees and raised nearly $100,000, marking it as a significant milestone in the U.S. rugby community’s efforts to promote and develop the sport.
On July 19, the electrifying All Blacks vs. Flying Fijians international test match, a high-stakes, world-ranking game, took place in San Diego, marking an unprecedented moment for rugby in the United States. Hosted by the San Diego Legion, this event spotlighted the city’s emergence as a key destination for rugby fans globally, especially with its vibrant Pacific Islands community. The match, which saw the All Blacks triumph with a decisive 47-5 victory at Snapdragon Stadium, received high praise from All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson and Captain Scott Barrett. Both were effusive in their praise for the dynamic San Diego setting and the enthusiastic local support. They highlighted the excellent organization by the Legion and the thrilling atmosphere that was unlike anything they had experienced during a rugby game. All Blacks Head Coach said after the game:
“I just want to talk about America, they do some sport well man, far out. Just the set-up beforehand, the tailgate parties, the atmosphere, wow. Like during injury breaks, they were pumping. [In New Zealand,] everyone sort of knocks off, but it felt like everyone was up dancing. So well done and thank you for having us in San Diego - what a city. I want to thank the San Diego Legion for putting the game on and how much care they have for our game. For them to have [Snapdragon Stadium] as their home ground is pretty special. It’s good to see rugby so healthy in America and growing well.”
This event not only showcased top-tier international rugby but also reinforced the Legion’s commitment to elevating the game’s profile across the country.
On July 20, the State Games of America showcased an Olympic-style youth sports event, with Snapdragon Stadium serving as the rugby sevens tournament’s dramatic backdrop. This event, occurring just hours after the exhilarating All Blacks vs. Flying Fijians match, attracted 64 teams - both boys and girls -, demonstrating the popularity and competitive spirit of youth rugby, particularly in Southern California. This gathering underscored the strong community support for rugby in the SoCal region, further cementing its status as a burgeoning hub for the sport.
The season culminated on August 4, with Snapdragon Stadium buzzing with excitement as we hosted the MLR Championship Final, drawing an MLR-record crowd of 12,085 fans. The championship match featured a fierce clash between the New England Free Jacks and the Seattle Seawolves, teams with rich histories in the MLR finals. The event was more than just a match; it was a festival of rugby with a Monster Energy Freestyle Moto-X show, a fun-filled Legion KidZone for families, Local Artist Row, and a sensational performance by the globally renowned DJ Marshmello. This high-energy event not only showcased top-tier rugby but also highlighted the San Diego Legion’s momentum in setting new attendance records, continuing to elevate the sport’s profile in the U.S.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we close the chapter on an incredible and eventful 2024 MLR season, it’s evident that the San Diego Legion has not only competed at the highest levels but also profoundly enriched the rugby landscape in the United States. Through community-driven events and innovative ‘rugbytainment’, we have ignited passion and broadened the appeal of rugby across North America. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of excellence, community engagement, and enhancing the rugby experience, eager to build on our achievements and continue setting new benchmarks in the world of rugby. With the steadfast support of our fans and the dedicated efforts of our team, the future of the San Diego Legion and rugby in the US looks brighter than ever.
