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New England Free Jacks forward Vili Toluta’u will not be playing in the 2022 Major League Rugby season. The 27-year-old has made the decision to sit out the year to focus on his family, says a a statement posted on social media.
“For over 10 years, the support of my family and friends has gotten me to where I am today. They pushed me to finish college, they motivated me to excel in rugby, and most importantly prayed over me throughout my hard times when I needed it most.
“This year has definitely hit me hard. My mom moved to another state, where I came home to an empty house with no mother to greet me with a smile and warm hug as she always did over the past years. However, the blessing of my son has kept me sane these past months.”
“I’ve decided to sit out the upcoming 2022 MLR season to take care of my little family and help make my mom’s dream become a reality. She has sacrificed a lot for me and my siblings and it definitely is the time to give back to my dear mother.”
Toluta’u appeared in all 16 games for the Free Jacks this past season, splitting his time between hooker and the back row. The former Seattle Seawolves star and fan favorite, capped once by the Eagles, says he intends to return to MLR in the future.
