Former Eagle joins all-time great on USA Men’s Sevens coaching staff

USA Rugby have confirmed another significant addition to the Men’s Sevens coaching staff, with former Eagle Valenese ‘Nese’ Malifa joining as an assistant ahead of their competitive season opener in early 2026.

Malifa enjoyed a distinguished career with the USA Eagles in both sevens and 15s, after the American Samoa-born talent was identified while playing with Belmont Shore Rugby Club, which led to representative honours.

After representing the USA for the first time at senior level against England A in May 2007, Malifa went on to make 23 appearances for the Eagles. The fly-half was selected to represent the nation at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.

In sevens, Malifa was a trailblazer for the growth of the sport in the USA, making 18 tournament appearances on the international circuit. The playmaker topped the team’s point-scoring charts with 120 during the 2009/10 season on what’s now known as the HSBC SVNS Series.

Malifa began his coaching journey with the Glendale Raptors in Major League Rugby, and later took up a position with the USA Falcons Sevens team from 2012/13, the Tiger Rugby Academy in 2014, before guiding Life West women’s XV to a USA Club DI Championship in 2017.

After returning to MLR with Rugby ATL from 2018-2020 and then the Seattle Seawolves, Malifa returns to Chula Vista on the coaching staff with the Men’s Sevens side. USA Rugby note in a press release that Malifa “will be invaluable in preparing the squad for future international competition.”

“I’m excited about being part of this journey and helping this team grow, develop and achieve our goals,” Malifa said in a statement.

“The game continues to evolve and change over the years, even from my time. Our challenge now, is to adapt and create an environment where athletes are involved in decision-making and solution solving to take ownership of their development. My focus is on building strong relationships based on trust and respect and empowering athletes with the resources to be successful.”

Malifa joins a coaching staff led by USA Sevens legend Zack Test, who was unveiled as the new head coach of the men’s team about 160 days ago. Test takes over from Simon Amor, who decided to leave the role after one season in charge.

Test helped coach the women’s side to Olympic gold at the Paris Games in 2024, and adds invaluable experience as one of the all-time greats of the game – starring alongside the likes of Perry Baker, Carlin Isles and Madison Hughes before hanging up the playing boots in 2018.

“What really impressed me about Nese’s coaching history is his ability to build success from the ground up,” Test added.

“He’s developed players and teams at every level,  from grassroots through to the professional ranks with the same level of commitment and precision. His track record shows not just winning results, but a consistent pattern of growth, culture-building, and player development.

“Nese’s coaching style is the perfect fit for this group because he leads with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach that puts the team’s culture first. He has an exceptional ability to connect with players, understand what drives them, and bring out their best. His clarity, discipline, and tactical sharpness create an environment where both accountability and creativity thrive.

“We expect Nese to elevate this team not just in performance, but in mindset. His deep understanding of the game: technically, tactically, and psychologically,  helps players refine their skills and strengthen their mentality.

“With his team-first philosophy and emphasis on detail, Nese has a proven ability to transform groups into cohesive, competitive units that play with purpose and pride.”