Pagopagohokma Haini Bio
Pagopagohokma Haini is an American rugby union player who competes in Major League Rugby (MLR). Known widely as Pago Haini, he plays as a flanker and is recognized for his work rate at the breakdown and his physical presence on the edges of the scrum. Standing 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall and weighing 105 kg (16.5 st; 231 lb), he has built a career in North American professional rugby since 2018.
Haini currently plays for Rugby New York (Ironworkers) in Major League Rugby and is also listed with the Seattle Seawolves on recent rosters. Across his professional career he has represented the Houston SaberCats, New England Free Jacks, and LA Giltinis, while also representing the United States Sevens at international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Pagopagohokma Haini was born on 16 December 1991 in Pagopago, American Samoa. He is American Samoan by nationality and grew up in the United States, where he was introduced to rugby union during his formative years. American Samoa has a strong cultural connection to contact sports, and that environment helped shape his early athletic development.
From a young age, Haini showed the kind of physical profile suited to the modern back-row game. His size and mobility allowed him to compete at the highest amateur levels in the United States before transitioning to the professional ranks. His upbringing in Pagopago, combined with training opportunities on the U.S. mainland, gave him a dual foundation of Pacific Island rugby heritage and American competitive structure.
Path to Rugby
Haini’s journey toward Major League Rugby began in the amateur and select-side circuits in the United States. His form at the club level earned him a place in the United States Sevens program, where he competed at two international sevens competitions. That exposure to high-intensity rugby gave him a pathway into professional rugby union in North America.
In 2018, Haini made his Major League Rugby debut with the Houston SaberCats, marking the start of his senior professional career. After a single season in Houston, he moved on to the New England Free Jacks in 2019, where he continued to develop his game as a flanker. Those early MLR campaigns established him as a reliable forward in the league and prepared him for a longer-term contract at the LA Giltinis.
Pagopagohokma Haini Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Haini’s first Major League Rugby season came in 2018 with the Houston SaberCats. He featured as a flanker during a developmental year for the SaberCats franchise and gained valuable experience against established MLR opposition. The campaign gave him a clear understanding of the speed and physicality required at the top level of North American rugby.
In 2019, Haini joined the New England Free Jacks, where he continued to build his reputation as a hard-working forward. Playing in the back row, he contributed at the breakdown and in defense, helping to lay the groundwork for the seasons that followed.
LA Giltinis Era (2021–2022)
Haini signed for Major League Rugby side LA Giltinis ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season. The move to Los Angeles represented a step up in his career, as the Giltinis were building a competitive roster with international experience. He played as a flanker during his time in California and was part of a squad that competed at the top of the Western Conference.
His two seasons with the Giltinis gave him exposure to playoff-level rugby and high-profile matches against the league’s leading teams. That period helped refine his defensive reads and his role in the loose forwards’ combination work.
Rugby New York and Seattle Seawolves Era (2023–Present)
Following his time in Los Angeles, Haini joined Rugby New York (Ironworkers), where he continues to play in Major League Rugby. At Rugby New York he operates as a flank option, providing experience and physicality in the back row. The Ironworkers compete in the Eastern Conference of MLR, and Haini has remained a regular part of their forward rotation.
He has also been associated with the Seattle Seawolves, appearing in roster listings from 2024 onward. His role with Seattle has allowed him to contribute to a franchise known for its strong forward pack and consistent playoff appearances.
Driving Style and Strengths
Haini is best suited to the physical side of the game, with strengths in defensive tackling, breakdown work, and ball-carrying contact. His 105 kg frame gives him ballast in close-quarter exchanges, while his mobility allows him to operate effectively in the wider channels. As a flanker, he focuses on slowing opposition ball and providing go-forward momentum for his forwards.
Notable Events and Milestones
A standout milestone in Haini’s career came when he signed with the LA Giltinis ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season, a move that confirmed his standing as a recognized professional in North American rugby. His selection for the United States Sevens program also marked an important international step earlier in his development.
Pagopagohokma Haini Career Wins
Throughout his Major League Rugby career, Pagopagohokma Haini has been part of competitive rosters with the Houston SaberCats, New England Free Jacks, LA Giltinis, Rugby New York, and the Seattle Seawolves. His professional journey reflects steady progression across multiple MLR franchises and an ongoing contribution to the league.
Major League Rugby Highlights
Haini debuted in Major League Rugby with the Houston SaberCats in 2018, giving him an entry point into the league at the senior professional level. He later featured for the New England Free Jacks in 2019 before joining the LA Giltinis ahead of the 2021 season. His most recent club work has been with Rugby New York and the Seattle Seawolves, where he continues to feature as a flanker.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his MLR appearances, Haini has represented the United States Sevens at two international sevens competitions, an experience that broadened his high-tempo skill set. Those tournaments provided early professional-level exposure and remain a notable part of his playing résumé.
Pagopagohokma Haini Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Pagopagohokma Haini’s immediate family are limited. He was born and raised in Pagopago, American Samoa, and his cultural roots in the territory have remained a part of his identity as a professional rugby player.
Personal Life
Haini resides in the United States, where he continues his professional rugby career. He keeps much of his personal life private, and no public details about a spouse or children are widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 Major League Rugby season, Haini is expected to remain active in MLR, contributing as a flanker with experience across multiple franchises. His time with Rugby New York and the Seattle Seawolves positions him to play a rotational role in a competitive back row, providing veteran presence and breakdown reliability.
The 2025 campaign will give Haini an opportunity to extend his professional career into a seventh year of senior-level rugby. With the league continuing to expand its depth, his familiarity with several MLR systems and his international sevens background make him a dependable forward option.
As the season develops, Haini will be aiming to remain a consistent contributor in the loose forwards, focusing on defensive discipline, tackle completion, and support play at the ruck. His continued presence in MLR underscores his durability and his value to North American professional rugby.