American Samoan winger Lauina Futi played in Major League Rugby between 2021-2024. He represented the Seattle Seawolves for his entire MLR career.

Futi played gridiron football through high school, winning back-to-back championships in two undefeated seasons as a running back at Tafuna High School. He continued his football career after moving to California in 2014, playing with Allan Hancock College between 2014-2015 before moving to moving to Idaho and picking up rugby. He played with the BYU-Idaho affiliated Rexburg Yetis and Boise United Rugby in 2017 (43rd State Crimson Lions Rugby at the time), playing with the team’s D2/D3 side. Futi moved to Seattle in 2018 and joined Seattle RFC, playing in both the US D1 and the BC Premier League.

Futi joined the Seattle Seawolves for their 2021 MLR campaign and made a big impact, scoring 4 tries in 7 games (all starts) in his debut MLR season to solidify himself as part of the Seawolves roster. He has represented Seattle for 4 MLR seasons, scoring 21 tries in 52 games (40 starts) including a high of 9 in 2023 when he finished T-9th in MLR, also gaining just shy of 1,500m in possession to finish 2nd in MLR Meters Gained, both personal bests. he was a part of the 2022 Seattle side that made it to the Championship Final, starting on the bench during their 30-15 loss to Rugby New York.

Following his standout 2023 season, Futi was included as part of the USA Eagles squad, earning his test debut and caps against Portugal, Georgia, and Brazil.

achievements

• 2nd in MLR Meters Gained: 2023 (1,495m)
• T-9th in MLR Try Scoring: 2023 (9)
• 2022 MLR Runner-Up: Seattle Seawolves