Washington DC Native KoiKoi Nelligan played in Major League Rugby between 2023-2025. He represented Old Glory DC for his entire MLR career.

A native of Bethesda, MD, KoiKoi Nelligan swam and captained both the lacrosse and football teams at Severn School, winning MVP honours in both Lacrosse and Football. Nelligan enrolled at Army West Point and turned his athleticism towards rugby, playing with the Army team. Following his graduation from West Point, Nelligan declared for the 2022 MLR Collegiate Draft where he was selected in the 3rd Round, 34th overall by the San Diego Legion. On 7th December 2022 before he had a chance to suit up for the Legion, Nelligan was traded to his hometown Old Glory DC in exchange for DC’s 1st Round Draft pick in 2023 (10th overall, used to select James Rivers).

Having been signed by Old Glory DC ahead of the 2023 season, Nelligan earned his MLR debut and first MLR start for the Flags during the 2023 season, earning a pair of appearances in his rookie season. On 12th December 2023, Old Glory DC announced the return of Koikoi Nelligan for the 2024 MLR season and although he didn’t start a game in 2024, he earned 13 appearances for Old Glory DC and scored his first two MLR tries that year to help the Flags back to the postseason.

On December 2nd, 2024, Old Glory DC announced the return of Koi Koi Nelligan for his 3rd MLR season in 2025 where he took another step forward. In 2025, Nelligan scored 3 tries and started 5 of his 16 appearances to help the Flags back to the postseason for the 3rd year in a row. He completed over 100 tackles for the first time in his career (114) and gained 127m in possession, setting career highs across the board and earned a pair of MLR Team of the Week nominations for his performances.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 5
• MLR Team of the Week: 2025 – Rd 4
• 2022 MLR Draftee: 3rd Round (34th Overall) – San Diego Legion