US-eligible front row Alessandro Heaney played in Major League Rugby between 2024-2025. He represented Rugby FC LA for his entire MLR career.

Born to an Italian mother and an Irish American father who was born in Boston, word-traveller Heaney was raised in the UK & Ireland. He attended Wellington College in Berkshire, UK (very close to where the owner of this site is from!), representing the school at the Natwest Cup U15s and the U18 Champions Cup. Following this he headed to Ireland and attended the University of Cork between 2020-2023, majoring in Astrophysics and playing for the University of Cork Constitution in the All-Ireland League. During his time there he was also included in the extended squad for the Ireland U20 side.

Heaney signed with Rugby FC LA in December 2023, ahead of their inaugural season in 2024 where he earned his MLR debut and 4 appearances for RFCLA off the bench. On December 12th, 2024, Rugby FC LA announced the return of Alessandro Heaney for 2025. With LA’s pack hit heavily with injury in 2025, Heaney stepped up. He appeared in 15 games during his sophomore season compared to 4 in year before, and earned his first 12 MLR starts, completing well over 100 tackles and gaining 111m in possession, helping Rugby FC LA to qualify for the postseason for the first time in team history. Following news of RFCLA merging with the San Diego Legion to form the California Legion, Heaney signed a short-term deal with the Cornish Pirates in the English Championship for the remainder of 2025. It’s unknown if he will return to MLR for 2026.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 14
• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 13