Canadian prop Calixto Martinez played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2025. He represented Old Glory DC for his entire MLR career.

A BC native and product of the University of British Columbia, Calixto ‘Cali’ Martinez was the highest-drafted Canadian in the 2022 MLR Draft when he was selected in the 1st Round, 3rd overall by Old Glory DC. He was the highest drafted Canadian ever until Neil Trainor went 2nd overall in 2024. 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. In that season, Martinez proved to be a genuine talent in the front row. He appeared in all 17 of Old Glory’s games that season as they returned to the playoffs, falling to the Chicago Hounds in the Eastern Conference semifinal. Martinez doubled his career high in starts from 4 to 8, and although his metres gained in possession fell from 203 in 2024 back to around his rookie season level with 45m, he more than doubled his tackles completed from 72 to an impressive 150.

Following the 2025 campaign, Cali Martinez was again a regular in the national team selection. He started every game for Canada both in their July tests and in the Pacific Nations Cup, including a victory over the USA in Calgary that ultimately earned Canada a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Achievements:

• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 6
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 18
• 2022 MLR Draftee: 1st Round (3rd Overall) – Old Glory DC