Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The new expansion franchise set to kick off in Los Angeles for the 2021 Major League Rugby season has unveiled their team name, logo, and primary coaching staff. It’s a team that comes with a twist – the LA Giltinis follows in the footsteps of the Austin Gilgronis in naming their entry after a cocktail. Both sides are owned by F45 co-founder Adam Gilchrist.
A pink and blue logo has been released featuring the stylized LA initials that incorporate rugby uprights. The focal point of the logo is, of course, a martini glass with a green rugby ball in the place of an olive. With the Gilgronis announcement drawing mixed reviews, the Giltinis name is certain to be polarizing.
Leading the team are two well-regarded Australian coaches. Darren Coleman is the new Head Coach. He arrives from Gordon in Sydney’s Shute Shield, having previously coached teams in Canada, Italy, and Japan. Coleman coached the Calgary Mavericks to the 2003 Rugby Canada Super League title and has helped several Canadian players connect with Australian club sides.
The 47-year-old has been Head Coach of both the Waratahs and Brumbies academy sides. Coleman led the NSW Country Eagles in Australia’s National Rugby Championship and has coached the Australian Barbarians invitational side. In 2017 Coleman guided Warringah to their first ever Shute Shield title..
Appointed as Assistant Coach for the Giltinis is former Wallabies back rower Stephen Hoiles. His decade-plus career as a professional player saw him make over 100 Super Rugby appearances split between the Waratahs and Brumbies. Hoiles represented Australia in both 7s and XVs, winning 16 test caps and playing five matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Since hanging up his boots in 2017, Hoiles has turned to coaching and was appointed as an Assistant Coach for the Australia Men’s 7s side in 2018. The 38-year-old has also served as General Manager of the Classic Wallabies touring side and acted as a commentator for Fox Sports.
The Giltinis are currently in negotiations with several players for their inaugural season. Understood to be among them are multiple Australians with Super Rugby experience. They have already acquired the rights to some former Colorado Raptors in the dispersal draft though names have not been revealed.
LA recently sent their second overall pick in the Collegiate Draft to the NOLA Gold in exchange for a second round pick and future considerations.
