Tevita Naqali Bio
Tevita Naqali is a Fijian professional rugby union player who plays as a lock for Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby (MLR). Standing 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall and weighing around 255 lb (116 kg), he brings the size and physical presence expected of a modern second row forward. He previously played for Fijian Drua in the Australian National Rugby Championship, Fijian Latui in Global Rapid Rugby, and Valladolid RAC in the División de Honor de Rugby in Spain. In 2025, he became eligible to represent the United States national rugby union team on residency grounds.
Early Life and Background
Tevita Naqali was born on 21 June 1996 in Nadroga, a province on the western side of Viti Levu in Fiji. Nadroga has long been associated with grassroots rugby in the country, and the region is recognized for producing physically imposing forwards. Growing up in this environment gave Naqali early and consistent exposure to the sport, where he developed the size and skill set that would later define his game as a lock.
Before turning professional, Naqali played amateur rugby for Suva Provincial Rugby Club, one of Fiji’s well-known provincial sides. Playing for Suva provided him with a competitive platform against experienced players and helped him prepare for the demands of higher-level competition. His time at the club served as a developmental step that shaped his understanding of set-piece play, lineout work, and the physical standards required at the senior level.
Path to Professional Rugby
Naqali’s transition into the professional ranks began in 2018, when he joined the Fijian Drua for their campaign in the Australian National Rugby Championship. The Drua served as a key pathway for Fijian players aspiring to higher levels of the game, and Naqali used the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities as a tall, athletic lock capable of competing against more experienced opponents.
In 2019, Naqali broadened his experience with stints at both Fijian Latui in Global Rapid Rugby and Valladolid RAC in Spain’s División de Honor de Rugby. These moves exposed him to different styles of play, including the faster tempo of Global Rapid Rugby and the tactical, forward-oriented approach common in European club rugby. Together, these experiences helped him refine his game and prepare for a return to the Fijian Drua ahead of the next chapter of his career.
Tevita Naqali Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
Naqali’s senior career began in 2018 with the Fijian Drua, where he quickly established himself as a promising forward in the Australian National Rugby Championship. Playing against established Australian franchises offered him a valuable test of his skill and conditioning at the professional level. His performances during this period laid the foundation for the opportunities that followed.
The 2019 season was a year of transition and growth for Naqali. He split time between the Fijian Drua, Fijian Latui in Global Rapid Rugby, and Valladolid RAC in Spain. These varied stints allowed him to experience different rugby cultures and tactical systems, contributing to his development as a well-rounded lock. By the end of 2019, he had built a résumé that positioned him for a move to North America’s top-flight competition.
Old Glory DC Era (2020–Present)
In 2020, Naqali joined Old Glory DC, the Major League Rugby franchise based in the Washington, D.C. area. The move marked his entry into the most competitive professional rugby environment of his career. Since then, he has been a consistent presence in the Old Glory DC pack, using his lineout skills and physicality in tight exchanges.
Across his tenure with Old Glory DC, Naqali has continued to develop as a senior professional, contributing to the team’s forward platform in Major League Rugby. His combination of height, work rate, and experience from multiple rugby environments has made him a reliable option in the engine room. He remains an active and important member of the Old Glory DC squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a lock, Naqali’s primary strengths lie in the set piece, particularly in lineout contests where his height and timing offer a clear advantage. He is also effective in close-quarter exchanges, using his size to disrupt opposition ball carriers and provide a stable platform for his team’s attacking play. His experience across Fijian, Pacific, and European competitions has given him a balanced skill set suited to the demands of Major League Rugby.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Naqali’s notable career milestones is his selection for the United States national rugby union team in 2025, after qualifying on residency grounds. His professional journey, spanning the Fijian Drua, Fijian Latui, Valladolid RAC, and Old Glory DC, reflects steady progression through multiple competitive environments and represents a significant achievement in his career to date.
Tevita Naqali Family
Family Background and Rugby Lineage
Public information about Tevita Naqali’s immediate family and upbringing remains limited. What is known is that he was born and raised in Nadroga, a province in Fiji with a strong rugby culture that has produced numerous national-level players. This regional connection to the sport helped shape his early development as a forward.
Personal Life
Details regarding Naqali’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not publicly documented in available sources. He has primarily been recognized for his professional rugby career and his contributions to the teams he has represented.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents an important chapter in Tevita Naqali’s career. Continuing his role with Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby, he provides a steady and experienced presence in the team’s forward pack. His familiarity with the league and its demands positions him as a key contributor as the team pursues its competitive goals.
In addition to his club commitments, 2025 also marks Naqali’s entry into international rugby with the United States national team, having qualified on residency grounds. This new responsibility adds another layer to his season, balancing club and country duties at a high level. His selection reflects both his on-field performances and his integration into the American rugby community through years of service in Major League Rugby.
Looking ahead, Naqali’s combination of club form and international opportunity sets the stage for a meaningful 2025 campaign. With continued playing time at Old Glory DC and his new role with the United States, he is well positioned to make a broader impact on the sport across both club and international stages.