New Zealander Todd Thornley coached in Major League Rugby during the 2026 season. He served as Assistant Coach for the California Legion for his entire MLR career.

A long-time Collegiate coach, Todd Thornley served as Head Coach of the Central Washington University Wildcats Men’s side from 2016-2025, turning CWU into a powerhouse of Collegiate Rugby, producing 5 USA Eagles and 15 Major League Rugby players during his time in charge. Despite this transformation, CWU discontinued it’s Varsity Rugby program at the end of the 2024/25 season, and in October of that year, Todd Thornley had joined the UCLA Bruins Men’s side as Forwards and Defence Coach under MLR alumni Harry Bennett.

Mere months after joining a very impressive UCLA program in January 2026, the California Legion announced their coaching team for their inaugural Major League Rugby season in 2026, naming Todd Thornley as Assistant Coach – Forwards.