The former NFL Draft pick who debuted for USA Eagles against Canada

Former New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans linebacker Cassh Maluia became the latest Test rugby debutant for the USA Eagles last weekend, starting at inside centre and playing 54 minutes in a 16-19 defeat to Canada in Tokyo.

Maluia was taken in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Patriots, who eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick coached at the time. The University of Wyoming linebacker spent time in Title Town before joining the Titans on August 26, 2021, and later switched sports entirely.

It was a close friend who convinced the 2020 NFL draftee to start playing rugby union, which led to a professional opportunity with the American Raptors in 2023. After one season in Super Rugby Americas, the midfielder signed with Major League Rugby outfit the Chicago Hounds.

The now-27-year-old started in two of eight appearances for the Hounds before joining former Wallaby Jed Holloway and USA Eagle Tavite Lopeti on the roster at the San Diego Legion, where he got more regular game time in the First XV.

But after a particularly impressive MLR campaign last season, with Maluia helping the California Legion reach the championship game against Chicago, the dual-sport athlete was named in the USA Eagles squad for the all-new World Rugby Nations Cup.

Maluia spoke with RugbyPass almost three months ago about how it would be a “dream come true” to debut for the Eagles. It was a goal that Maluia achieved last weekend, earning the chance to start for the USA in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup third-place playoff.

“Coming from a football background, you’re used to biding your time… you’re used to biding your time,” Maluia told RugbyPass at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium.

“When my number was called, I tried my best to answer it.

“Obviously the boys have questions, they’re all interested in my past so I’m always keen to talk about it but I never bring it up on my own,” he added later.

“Learn to never take anything personal and when your number is called, answer.”

Maluia started in the centre alongside Dominic Besag, while former Legion star Lopeti provided impact and cover off the bench. There were some good moments from the debutant’s first hit-out at Test level, which included a particularly memorable first carry.

You could see the USA and Canadian players bracing themselves for the drawn-up play that was about to come to life. As the forwards packed down for a scrum, the Eagles set up in almost a three-man pod around Maluia.

The former NFL player broke a tackle attempt and made decent metres during a powerful carry into Canada’s 22. Loosehead prop Fakaosifolau Pifeleti scored soon after, as Maluia looked to get involved in the match even more.

“Canada being a good team and all, it was definitely an experience to remember and one I won’t forget,” Maluia reflected post-game.

“We’ll just keep going from here, keep building.

“All the boys supported me throughout the whole week. Finding out I was starting early on in the week, the boys just got behind me, backing me, backing my skillset that I have.”

Canada’s inside centre Ben LeSage was one of the standouts on the night, standing tall in an exciting positional duel with Maluia. LeSage, who was the most experienced back in Canada’s squad for the PNC, scored the opener with a moment of brilliance.

LeSage raced away for the first try of the playoff, before Mason Flesch touched down in the corner during the first half. The USA fought their way back throughout the match, but the Canadians did enough to hold on for a gritty win.