Canadian prop Calixto ‘Cali’ Martinez played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2025. He represented Old Glory DC for his entire MLR career, having been drafted 3rd overall by the Flags in the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft.

A BC native and product of the University of British Columbia, Martinez was the highest-drafted Canadian in the 2022 MLR Draft. He was drafted by Old Glory DC whom he represented for his debut MLR season where he earned 11 MLR caps including his first start in the league as the Flags earned their first post-season appearance in club history. On 28th November 2023, Old Glory DC announced the return of Cali Martinez for the 2024 MLR season. In his sophomore season in MLR, Martinez earned 4 starts in 16 games for the Flags, improving from 54m gained in 2023 to over 200m gained in 2024, while completing over 70 tackles. He was named to the MLR Team of the Week for the first time in his career for his performance in Round 18, and came off the bench during Old Glory DC’s Eastern Conference Semifinal clash with their rivals the New England Free Jacks and although the Flags ran the Free Jacks close, they fell 29-33 to the eventual champions.

Just prior to the 2024 Playoffs, Cali Martinez earned his test debut for Canada in a victory over Romania in Ottawa the July tests, before returning to Old Glory DC for their 2024 playoff run. Following the season, Martinez was included in Canada’s squad for the Pacific Nations Cup, and represented the Maple Leaf in the November tests. On December 4th, 2024, Old Glory DC announced the return of Cali Martinez for his 3rd MLR season in 2025.

Achievements:

• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 18
• 2022 MLR Draftee: 3rd Overall (1st Round) – Old Glory DC