Australia Men’s Sevens Head Coach John Manenti has been named the new Head Coach of Major League Rugby (MLR) team, the San Diego Legion, with his official start date set for September 1, 2024.
Manenti brings extensive experience and a successful track record in both the 7s and 15s formats of rugby. He played a crucial role in achieving landmark accomplishments, such as leading Australia to its first-ever Sevens World Series victory in 2022 and securing automatic qualification for the Olympic Rugby Sevens in 2023.
Throughout his coaching career, he has been involved with both men’s and women’s teams, showcasing his ability to recruit, develop, and retain talent, resulting in consistently strong performances.
Ryan Patterson, Team Owner of San Diego Legion, expressed excitement about Manenti’s hiring, emphasizing that during the recruitment process, he emerged as a standout candidate among a highly qualified group. Patterson praised Manenti’s strategic vision for rugby and his proven ability to uplift teams and cultivate winning cultures, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome a coach of his caliber to San Diego Legion, confident in his expertise and dedication to lead our team to new successes.”
David Haigh, CEO of San Diego Legion, added that Manenti’s appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to excellence. He highlighted Manenti’s extensive experience and achievements on the international level as crucial assets as the team looks to strengthen its presence in Major League Rugby and beyond. Haigh expressed confidence that Manenti would guide the San Diego Legion to new heights.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Manenti remarked, “Returning to 15s rugby as the Head Coach of San Diego Legion is an exciting opportunity to apply my coaching philosophy and experience in a new environment. I am committed to building on the solid foundation here and leading the team to achieve our goal of winning the MLR Championship.” He plans to relocate to San Diego and is eager to start working with the team in preparation for the upcoming season.