Malgene Ilaua (マルジーン・イラウア) (born 5 June 1993) is a Japanese international rugby union player who plays as a flanker.[1] He currently plays for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan's domestic Top League.[2][3]

Malgene Ilaua
Full nameMalgene Olando Ilaua
Date of birth (1993-06-05) 5 June 1993 (age 30)
Place of birthAuckland, New Zealand
Height1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight105 kg (16 st 7 lb; 231 lb)
SchoolKelston Boys' High School (NZ)
UniversityTeikyo University
Notable relative(s)Wife (Chantè Ilaua)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Current team Coca-Cola Red Sparks
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016 Toshiba Brave Lupus 10 (2)
2017 Sunwolves 5 (0)
2019 Counties Manukau 9 (10)
2021– Coca-Cola Red Sparks 2 (0)
Correct as of 22 February 2021
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016–2017 Japan 7 (5)
Correct as of 22 February 2021

Club career edit

Born and raised in New Zealand, Ilaua came to Japan to attend Teikyo University. Upon graduation he signed for the Toshiba Brave Lupus ahead of the 2016–17 Top League season.[4]

International edit

After just 7 Top League appearances, Ilaua received his first call-up to Japan's senior squad ahead of the 2016 end-of-year rugby union internationals. He debuted as a second-half replacement in new head coach, Jamie Joseph's first game, a 54–20 loss at home to Argentina.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Malgene Ilaua ESPN Scrum Player Profile". ESPN. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Malgene Ilaua Top League Player Profile" (in Japanese). Top League. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Malgene Ilaua Toshiba Brave Lupus Player Profile" (in Japanese). Toshiba Sports. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
  4. ^ "Malgene Ilaua itsrugby Player Statistics". itsrugby. Retrieved 12 November 2016.