Leuta: I learned to play rugby in Fiji
“It is a very popular sport on the island,” Leuta said
United States rugby player and Seaside High School graduate Matai Leuta has arrived in Japan ahead of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
Leuta was born in Salinas but spent 10 years of his childhood in Fiji. There, he developed a love for rugby and the dream of becoming a professional player.
“It is a very popular sport on the island,” Leuta said.
“Every kid fantasizes about growing up and being a professional rugby player. That was instilled in me very early.”
When Leuta was 16, he and his family returned to the Central Coast. He played at Seaside High School and graduated in 2008.
On the Central Coast, Leuta continued playing club rugby while holding a full-time job. In 2015, a friend reached out to him and changed everything.
“I was working at the Marriott in downtown Monterey and a friend of mine sent me a link about a tryout down here in San Diego with the national team," Leuta said.
Leuta jumped at the opportunity, traveling to southern California and gaining the attention of national scouts.
He was invited to the USA Men’s Falcons squad and made his debut during the 2014-15 HSBC Sevens Series at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.
Now, Leuta is an Olympian. He has been named to the U.S. men’s sevens team for the Tokyo Olympics.
“I am really humbled and excited at the same time to represent, not just my family, but this country and hopefully I can perform to the best of my ability,” he said.
Team USA will play their first match against Kenya on July 26.