New Zealander Filimone Manu played in Major League Rugby during the 2026 season. He represented the New England Free Jacks for his entire MLR career.

A native of Hamilton, NZ, Filimone went to high school in the US and is US-eligible on residency. He enrolled with American International College in 2023, helping the Yellow Jackets to back-to-back Liberty Rugby Conference postseason appearances. He was named an NCR All-American in back-to-back seasons while playing with AIC. In 2025, Manu was named to the Collegiate Rugby All-Stars Men’s National Shield Challenge where AIC excelled. Following his graduation from AIC, Manu toured Scotland with the New England Independents and although he was a member of the Free Jacks system, he was selected 15th overall by the Utah Warriors in the 2025 MLR Collegiate Draft.

Days after his drafting to the Utah Warriors, Filimone Manu was named to the USA Falcons squad for the famous Rugbytown 7s in Colorado, before returning to New England to play with the Independents at the New York 7s. Following the news in November 2025 that the Utah Warriors were withdrawing from Major League Rugby, the New England Free Jacks announced the signing of Filimone Manu on 15th December, 2025.

achievements

• 2025 Draftee: 2nd Round (15th Overall) – New England Free Jacks

NARDB Player #1,647