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Former new England Patriots and Tennessee Titans linebacker Cassh Maluia became the latest test rugby debutant for USA Eagles last weekend, starting at inside center and playing 54 minutes in a 16-19 loss to Canada in Tokyo.
Malui was taken in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Patriots, then coached by eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick. The University of Wyoming linebacker spent time in Title Town before joining the Titans on Aug. 26, 2021, and later switched sports entirely.
It was a close friend who convinced the 2020 NFL prospect to start playing rugby, leading to a professional opportunity with American Raptors 2023 After one season in Super Rugby Americas, the midfielder signed a contract with Major League Rugby equip the Chicago Hounds.
The now 27-year-old started in two of eight appearances for the Hounds before joining former Wallaby Jed Holloway and USA Eagle Tavita Lopeta on the San Diego Legion roster, where he was given more playing time in the First XV.
But after a particularly impressive MLR campaign last season, with Maluia helping out California Legion reach the championship game against Chicago, the dual-sport athlete has been named to the USA Eagles squad for the all-new Rugby World Cup.
Maluia spoke to RugbyPass nearly three months ago about how it would be a “dream come true” to debut for the Eagles. It was a goal Maluia accomplished last weekend, earning her a chance to start for the USA at the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup playoff for third place.
“Coming from a football background, you’re used to biding your time… you’re used to biding your time,” Maluia said RugbyPass at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
“When my number was called, I did my best to answer it.
“Obviously the guys have questions, they’re all interested in my past, so I always want to talk about it, but I never bring it up myself,” he added later.
“Learn to never take anything personally and when called, answer.”
Maluia started in the center alongside Dominic Besaga, while former Legia star Lopeti provided punch and cover off the bench. There were some good moments from the debutant’s first innings at Test level, which included a particularly memorable first carry.
You could see players from the US and Canada preparing for the imaginary game that was about to come to life. As the forwards gathered for the fight, the Eagles settled into a near three around Maluija.
The former NFL player broke up a tackle and made some decent yards during a hard throw into Canada’s 22. Loosehead prop Fakaosifolia Pifeleti scored soon after as Maluia looked to get more involved in the match.
“Canada is a good team and all, it was definitely a memorable experience and one I won’t forget,” Maluia reflected after the game.
“We’re just going to keep going, keep building.
“All the guys supported me throughout the week. Knowing I was starting at the beginning of the week, the guys just got behind me, supported me, supported my skill set that I have.”
Canadian inside center Ben LeSage was one of the standouts of the night, standing tall in an exciting positional duel with Maluia. LeSage, who was the most experienced of the Canadian team for PNC, scored first with a moment of brilliance.
LeSage rushed in the first try of the playoffs, before Mason Flesch scored in the corner during the first half. The USA battled throughout the match, but the Canadians did enough to hold on for a tight win.
