Australia Men’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Major League Rugby (MLR) team, the San Diego Legion, starting September 1, 2024.
Manenti brings a wealth of experience and a successful track record in both the 7s and 15s formats of rugby. He was key in leading Australia to its first Sevens World Series title in 2022 and garnered Olympic Rugby Sevens qualification for the first time in 2023.
His coaching career includes work with both men’s and women’s teams, where he showcased a strong ability to recruit, develop, and retain talent, consistently driving teams to perform at high levels.
Ryan Patterson, Owner of San Diego Legion, shared his excitement about Manenti’s appointment, stating that he distinguished himself among a talented pool of candidates. He emphasized Manenti’s strategic vision and ability to enhance teams and create winning cultures, expressing confidence in his leadership.
David Haigh, CEO of San Diego Legion, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that Manenti’s extensive experience and success on the international scene are crucial as the team seeks to strengthen its position in Major League Rugby. He believes that Manenti will propel the Legion to new heights.
Manenti expressed enthusiasm about the new role, viewing it as an exciting chance to implement his coaching philosophy in a different setting. He is dedicated to building on the team’s established foundation and aims to lead them toward winning the MLR Championship. Manenti will be relocating to San Diego and looks forward to working with the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.