Former World Rugby player of the year nominee joins California Legion

Major League Rugby’s California Legion have signed United States hooker Joe Taufete’e ahead of the new season.

The 33-year-old will move west having played for New Orleans Gold last season to represent the newly-formed California Legion following a merger between the San Diego Legion and Rugby Football Club Los Angeles.

The move is the latest chapter in a varied career for the 2019 World Rugby player of the year nominee, who has also represented the Houston SaberCats, Seattle Seawolves and the LA Giltinis.

The 22-cap US international, who still holds the record for the most Test tries for a tight five forward with 23, has also had two separate stints in England across his career – four years with Worcester Warriors between 2016 and 2020, and a spell with Leicester Tigers in 2022.

The front-row’s well-travelled career has also seen him spend two seasons with Lyon in the Top 14, but he will continue his career in the US with a Legion side that will get the new MLR season started on March 28 when they host Anthem Rugby Carolina.

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“I’m super excited to be heading back to California to put on a jersey for the California Legion,” Taufete’e said. “This is where my roots started and where my foundation in rugby was built. To represent a united rugby community across the whole state means a lot to me.”

“I’m excited about the quality of coaches we have lined up. I’ve been under their care before, and knowing the direction we’re heading, with the group we’ve put together, makes this a special opportunity.”