California-born front row Faka’osi Pifeleti played in Major League Rugby between 2018-2025. He represented the San Diego Legion (2018-2021, 2023-2024) the Austin Gilgronis (2022), and the Chicago Hounds (2025).

Of Tongan heritage, Pifeleti moved to England at an early age. He played with the Saracens Storm with younger brother Kapeli Pifeleti, and they played together for the Legion in 2019 before Kapeli returned to Saracens in the English Premiership. Faka’osi spent his first 4 season in MLR with the San Diego Legion, earning 39 caps (26 starts) between 2018-2021 and scoring 4 tries. He was one of only two players in all 18 games for the Legion during their 2019 campaign (with Paddy Ryan), in which they advanced to the Championship Final, falling 23-26 to the Seattle Seawolves on the last play of the game. Following the 2021 season, Pifeleti earned his test debut for the United States in October, against the All Blacks.

Pifeleti signed with the Austin Gilgronis ahead of the 2022 season, earning 13 caps (7 starts) for the AGs during the regular season. Despite finishing at the top of the Western Conference, the Gilgronis were disqualified from the 2022 season (along with the LA Giltinis) prior to the Championship Series due to alleged salary Cap violations, and folded shortly afterwards. Pifeleti returned to the Legion for the 2023 season, earning another 15 appearances as they again advanced to the Championship Final, this time falling 24-25 to the New England Free Jacks in Chicago. Through the 2023 season, Pifeleti had earned 67 caps in Major League Rugby (46 starts), 54 of them with the Legion, and scored 8 tries total. Despite an impressive career in MLR, Pifeleti only earned his first Team of the Week selection in 2023

On 27th December 2023, the San Diego Legion announced the return of Faka’osi Pifeleti for the 2024 MLR season, where he added 5 further appearances (3 starts) during an injury-affected season. On 1st November 2024, the Chicago Hounds announced the signing of Faka’osi Pifeleti for the 2025 MLR season. It is unclear if the Hounds acquired Pifeleti via a trade, or if he signed as a free agent.

achievements

• 2023 MLR Runner-Up: San Diego Legion
• MLR Team of the Week: 2023 – Round 15
• 2019 MLR Runner-Up: San Diego Legion