LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: DTH van der Merwe #11 of the LA Giltinis scores a try against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Mitch Wilson #11 of the New England Free Jacks tackles Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Billy Meakes #12 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis of the LA Giltinis attempts to block a kick against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis #4 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: DTH ven der Merwe of the LA Giltinis warms up before the match against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Matt Giteau of the LA Giltinis mauls against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: DTH ven der Merwe of the LA Giltinis handles the ball against Beaudein Waaka #15 of the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Head coach Darren Coleman of the LA Giltinis looks on during warmups before the match against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis passes the ball against Mitch Wilson #11 of the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against Evan Geist #6 of the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Members of the LA Giltinis huddle up before the match against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Billy Meakes of the LA Giltinis runs the ball during the first half against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: DTH ven der Merwe of the LA Giltinis handles the ball while being tackled against Beaudein Waaka #15 of the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis #4, Nathan Den Hoedt #5 and Mahe Vailanu #2 of the LA Giltinis maul against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis #4 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against the New England Free Jacks during the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Nathan Den Hoedt #5 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against Jackson Thiebes #5 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis #4 of the LA Giltinis reaches for the lineout ball against the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: DTH van der Merwe #11 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against Mitch Wilson #11 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Mitch Wilson #11 of the New England Free Jacks tackles DTH van der Merwe #11 of the LA Giltinis during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Members of the LA Giltinis kickoff the ball during the second half against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Harrison Boyle #10 of the New England Free Jacks reaches for the ball against Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Adam Ashe #8 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against Aleki Morris Lome #12 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Nathan Den Hoedt #5 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against Jackson Thiebes #5 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Nathan Den Hoedt #5 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against Jackson Thiebes #5 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Billy Meakes #12 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball during the second half against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against Josh Larsen #4 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Ryan James #23 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball against Harry Barrlow #23 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Ryan James #23 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Dave Dennis #4 of the LA Giltinis wins a lineout ball against Josh Larsen #4 of the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis warms up for the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Harrison Boyle #10 of the New England Free Jacks reaches for the ball against Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball against the New England Free Jacks during the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Nathan Den Hoedt #5 and Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis walks off the field after the 42-17 win over the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis drop kicks the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Matt Giteau #10 of the LA Giltinis misses a conversion during the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis scores a try during the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis walk back after a try by Harrison Goddard #9 of the LA Giltinis in the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Riekert Hattingh #8 of the Seattle Seawolves defends JP Smith #1 of the LA Giltinis at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Glenn Bryce #15 of the LA Giltinis drop kicks the ball during the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke White #5 of the LA Giltinis tackles Rhyno Herbst #5 of the Seattle Seawolves in the first half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis celebrate a try scored by Harrison Goddard #9 of the LA Giltinis in the first half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Charlie Abel #3 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke White #5 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball tackled by Andrew Durutalo #7 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke White #5 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball tackled by Andrew Durutalo #7 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 and Matt Giteau #10 of the LA Giltinis react during the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashe #8 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball defended by Matthew Turner #15 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Riekert Hattingh #8 of the Seattle Seawolves and Angus Cottrell #6 of the LA Giltinis are lifted for the lineout in the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Matthew Turner #15 of the Seattle Seawolves tackles Luke Burton #23 of the LA Giltinis in the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Harrison Goddard #9 of the LA Giltinis passes the ball during the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Jake Ilnicki #3 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke Burton #23 of the LA Giltinis tackles Michael Shepherd #2 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Ryan James #14 of the LA Giltinis scores a try against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Langilangi Haupeakui #20 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball in the second half against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The Seattle Seawolves and the LA Giltinis face off in the scrum at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Angus Cottrell #6 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball during the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke Burton #23 of the LA Giltinis tackles Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Matthew Turner #15 of the Seattle Seawolves looks to tackle Luke Burton #23 of the LA Giltinis in the second half at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashe #8 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Aaron Matthews #14 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis handles the ball against Nakai Penny #20 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Nakai Penny #20 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Rhyno Herbst #5 of the Seattle Seawolves and Blake Rogers #17 of the LA Giltinis reach for the ball at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Langilangi Haupeakui #20 and Christian Rodriguez #21 of the LA Giltinis tackles Rhyno Herbst #5 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Langilangi Haupeakui #20 and Christian Rodriguez #21 of the LA Giltinis tackles Rhyno Herbst #5 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves is tackled by Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves is tackled by Christian Poidevin #7 of the LA Giltinis at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Bradley Tucker #6 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Charlie Abel #3 of the LA Giltinis is tackled by Ross Neal #13 of the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis runs the ball in for a try against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis shake hands with the Seattle Seawolves after the game at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Adam Ashley-Cooper #13 of the LA Giltinis shakes hands with George Barton #12 of the Seattle Seawolves after the game at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Members of the LA Giltinis warms up before the match against the New England Free Jacks at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The inaugural game is the first for the LA Giltinis at the Los Angeles Coliseum. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis warm up for the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis warm up ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: John Ryberg #11 of the LA Giltinis walks onto the field for the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis warm up ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Billy Meakes #12 and Ryan James #14 of the LA Giltinis warm up ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis warm up for the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luke Carty #22 of the LA Giltinis warms up before the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Luca Tani of the LA Giltinis warms up ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: Matt Giteau #10 of the LA Giltinis warms up ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis huddle together ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: The LA Giltinis stand for the national anthem ahead of the game against the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 28: A rugby ball sits on the field ahead of the game between the LA Giltinis and the the Seattle Seawolves at Los Angeles Coliseum on March 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for LA Giltinis)
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Los Angeles and San Diego will square off this weekend in something besides baseball. And the people behind L.A.’s newest professional franchise, trying to carve their own niche in North America’s most diverse sports market, are starting small but at the same time ambitiously.
That would be the L.A. Giltinis – named after a cocktail, so let’s get that out of the way up front – and the San Diego Legion. They are expansion teams in Major League Rugby, a 4-year-old enterprise that hopes to at some point emulate the now 25-year-old Major League Soccer and turn an exotic, foreign pastime into something with mainstream sports appeal.
“Definitely, being an expansion team in a pandemic in a crowded market like Los Angeles is not an easy task,” MLR commissioner George Killebrew said in a recent interview.
It’s especially daunting this weekend, since the fledgling Giltinis and Legion will be starting their Saturday game at 6 p.m. in the Coliseum right about the same time that other game will be starting a few miles up the road at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers and Padres will have most of the attention, as you would expect, and their crowd of probably 15,000 or so might be 15 times as large as the crowd showing up for rugby. But you’ve got to start somewhere.
The newcomers have a vision. They have athletes that are recognizable in their sport; Giltinis general manager Adam Freier, himself a former standout for the Australian national team who was playing as late as last fall at age 40, refers to fellow Australian Matt Giteau as “our David Beckham.” The inference: Giteau, a star in the twilight of his career, can help sell his game in a market of 16 million or so souls, many of whom are unfamiliar with it.
The difference: Nobody’s name-dropped Giteau in a movie title on these shores, so it could be a harder task to reach the uninitiated.
The Giltinis have ambition, too, which is why they’re playing in the Coliseum (they’ll use the lower bowl, 20,000 or so of the available 78,467 seats, for their first opportunity to host fans Saturday). They signed a six-year deal to play in Exposition Park rather than a small suburban facility, as many of their MLR peers have done, because playing with the Olympic torch and peristyle end as a backdrop means something.
“When we did sign the deal, I had someone reach out to me and say, ‘Why are you doing it? You’re just going to continue to play and look like you’ve got no friends,’” Freier said this week, acknowledging there was some truth in that but adding: “The easy thing for us is to go play at a 5,000-seat stadium or 10,000-seat stadium. But you have to be aspirational.
“We know we’ve got a while to go, but you’ve got to start somewhere, and doing it out in the middle of nowhere on a field that no one’s heard of is not where we want to be as a club. We want to be front and center.”
So how do you build an audience in this market? You start with those who are already familiar with the sport.
Even beyond the ethnic communities of Southern California – “Australians, New Zealanders, English, Irish, Argentinians, it’s a great kind of melting pot type of city, and we tend to do better in those kinds of cities,” Killebrew said – there is an existing rugby community. The L.A., Santa Monica and Belmont Shore rugby clubs could be considered that community’s core, with clubs and college programs extending to Ventura County and Santa Barbara to the north and Orange County and the Inland Empire to the south and east.
According to the commissioner, Southern California is No. 1 among USA Rugby’s youth participation numbers. An example of that participation: One of its graduates plays for the home team. Cristian Rodriguez grew up in Hawaiian Gardens and still lives there, started playing the sport in community programs, and went on to play college rugby at Lindenwood (Mo.) University and for the USA Under-20 squad.
He’s not alone.
“Any time I mention I’m representing the Giltinis, everyone’s got a rugby story,” Freier said. “If I met someone down the street at the coffee shop they’d say, ‘Oh, my sister played rugby at college,’ or, ‘There’s a guy that came in here the other day that played for the All Blacks.’ I think the challenge for us is, how do we get that rugby story and turn that person into a long-term fan? And it is a slow burn. It’s not going to happen overnight.”
Related Articles Alexander: Michelle Wie West hoodies fit progress well Alexander: Dodgers-Padres weekend was draining, yet exhilarating Alexander: While waiting for LeBron and A.D., Lakers have stayed close Alexander: Fernandomania wasn’t just transformative on the field Alexander: Dodgers’ rings distributed, now it’s down to business The Giltinis have a local TV deal with Bally Sports in addition to the league’s deals with CBS Sports Network (which will air Saturday night’s game) and Fox Sports. That helps, although Freier jokingly wondered if it might not be a bad idea to have a way to offer two tracks of match commentary, one for the already initiated and one for those still learning the sport. He did note that it was a triumph of sorts when he walked into a South Bay establishment last weekend, with the team on the road, and saw the Giltinis were on the big screen.
As the commissioner pointed out, trying to drum up business for a new franchise amidst a pandemic has been difficult. Freier refuses to call it a challenge – “the challenge is just ensuring that everyone is safe and healthy,” he said – but he seems anxious to actually get out in the community and promote this franchise face to face.
“How do we actually introduce rugby as a sport to those people that have got only a Clippers or a Lakers hat and a Rams or Chargers hat?” he said. “How do we get them to fall in love with another sport.”
Winning helps in L.A., a lot. And the Giltinis haven’t lost yet, 4-0 at the start of a 16-game schedule that runs through mid-July. That’s something to build on.
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