California native Payton Telea-Ilalio played in Major League Rugby during the 2022 season, and again in the 2024 season. He represented the Austin Gilgronis (2022), and the San Diego Legion (2024).

While playing with St. Mary’s College, the American prop won the Rudy Scholtz award during the 2019/20 season, recognising the best collegiate rugby player in the US. He was signed by the Austin Gilgronis in April 2022 for the remainder of that year’s MLR season, and earned 5 appearances (2 starts), scoring 2 tries. Following Austin’s disqualification and subsequent cessation of operations following the 2022 season, Telea signed with the American Raptors for their inaugural season in Super Rugby Americas in 2023.

Telea-Ilalio earned 12 appearances (8 starts) and scored 2 tries for the Raptors in the predominantly South American competition. Following his season with the Raptors, a then-25yo Payton Telea-Ilalio returned to MLR and signed with the San Diego Legion ahead of the 2024 season. This signing was announced by the Legion on 3rd November 2023. Telea scored 1 try in 14 games (10 starts) for San Diego in 2024 as the Legion qualified for the playoffs with a 11-5 record, where he earned a MLR Team of the Week selection for his performance in Round 10. He started their Western Conference Semifinal clash with the Seattle Seawolves, as they fell 30-28 to their MLR rivals.

Following the 2024 MLR season, Telea was included in the USA Eagles squad for their 2024 PNC campaign, and earned his debut as Eagle #580 off the bench in the PNC 3rd place playoff, as the USA fell 18-13 to Samoa in a tight game in Japan. On 1st November 2024, the San Diego Legion announced the return of Payton Telea-Ilalio for the 2025 MLR season.

achievements

• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 10