Cristian Rodriguez has landed with the LA Giltinis for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. It’s an unexpected return home for the 23-year-old from Hawaiian Gardens, who was suddenly left without a team after the Dallas Jackals withdrew from what would have been their inaugural campaign.
Rodriguez comes highly rated after earning USA u20 honors and first team Collegiate All-American selection in both 7s and XVs. The Lindenwood Lions product has played club rugby with Belmont Shore and most recently turned out for the Ohio Aviators at the World Tens Series.
Though he has primarily been used as an outside back to date, Rodriguez played scrumhalf for the Aviators and should focus on the No9 shirt in MLR. He joins previous signings Harrison Goddard and Nick Boyer at LA. USA age grade rep Jeffrey Peleseuma is capable of playing both halfback positions.