Get ready to witness a rugby legend in action! Semi Kunatani, the Olympic gold medallist, is making a bold move to Old Glory DC for the 2026 Major League Rugby season in the United States. This announcement, made by the Washington, D.C.-based club last week, has already sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Kunatani’s journey to this point is nothing short of remarkable, blending sevens stardom with XVs prowess.
The 35-year-old Fijian flanker, hailing from Nadi, showcased his skills in the 2025 MLR season with Rugby FC Los Angeles, where he appeared in 11 matches, scored a try, and covered an impressive 328 meters. Yet, his impact extends far beyond these stats. Kunatani has also been a stalwart for the Flying Fijians, earning 10 Test caps since his debut in 2017. And this is the part most people miss: before dominating the XVs format, he was a sevens sensation.
With 96 appearances on the World Rugby Sevens Series and 54 tries, Kunatani was instrumental in Fiji’s groundbreaking Olympic gold medal victory at the Rio 2016 Games. He didn’t stop there—he later helped secure silver at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, solidifying his legacy in the sport. But here’s the controversial part: as sevens rugby gains global prominence, how will Kunatani’s transition to XVs influence the next generation of players? Is he a trailblazer or an exception?
Kunatani’s international club career is equally impressive, having played for top-tier teams like Stade Toulousain and Castres in France’s Top 14, as well as Harlequins in England’s Premiership Rugby. His move to Old Glory DC marks yet another chapter in a career defined by adaptability and excellence. But here’s the question: Can he replicate his sevens success in the MLR, or will the XVs format present new challenges?
As fans eagerly await the 2026 season, one thing is clear: Semi Kunatani’s presence will undoubtedly elevate the league’s profile. For those craving more Fijian rugby action, stream the best of Fiji on VITI+ (https://www.viti.plus/). Anytime. Anywhere. Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think Kunatani’s transition from sevens to XVs will inspire more players to follow suit, or is his success an anomaly? Let us know in the comments!
