Australia Men’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Major League Rugby club, San Diego Legion, with his official start date set for September 1, 2024.
Manenti brings extensive experience and a proven history of success in both the sevens and fifteens formats of rugby. He played a crucial role in leading Australia to its first-ever Sevens World Series victory in 2022 and secured automatic qualification for the Rugby Sevens event at the Olympics for the first time in 2023.
His coaching resume includes significant roles with both men’s and women’s teams, showcasing his talent in recruiting, developing, and retaining players while consistently driving team performance to high standards.
Ryan Patterson, Team Owner of San Diego Legion, expressed his excitement regarding the appointment, stating, “During the Head Coach recruitment process, John consistently distinguished himself from a highly talented pool of candidates. His strategic vision for rugby, along with his proven ability to enhance team performance and cultivate winning cultures, greatly impressed us. We are delighted to welcome a coach of his caliber to San Diego Legion and have full confidence in his expertise and dedication to leading our team to new achievements.”
David Haigh, CEO of San Diego Legion, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Manenti’s appointment reflects their commitment to excellence. Haigh noted, “His extensive experience and impressive record of developing players and achieving international success will be critical as we seek to strengthen our presence in Major League Rugby and beyond. We are optimistic that John will elevate San Diego Legion to new heights.”
Manenti shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Returning to fifteens rugby as Head Coach of San Diego Legion is an exciting opportunity to implement my coaching philosophy in a new setting. I am dedicated to enhancing the strong foundation already established and steering the team toward our goal of winning the MLR Championship.” He plans to relocate to San Diego and is looking forward to working with the team to prepare for the upcoming season.