Tonga Kofe
| Born | 2 February 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 143 kg (315 lb; 22 st 7 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Portland State University | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Semise "Tonga" Kofe is an American professional rugby union player, who plays as a Prop for California Legion in Major League Rugby and the United States men's national rugby union team. He previously played for Utah Warriors in MLR and Leicester Tigers in Premiership Rugby.[1][2]
Club career
Tonga Kofe played for the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He made 16 appearances in 2025, including scoring 2 tries, as the Utah Warriors finished top of the Western conference, before losing in the Western Conference final.[3] He was named to the All-MLR Second XV team of the season.[4]
He joined Leicester Tigers in August 2025.[5][6]
International career
Tonga Kofe made his debut for the USA in July 2025 in a win against Belgium. He was named in the USA's squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.[7]
References
- ^ "Leicester recrute Semise « Tonga » Kofe, un ancien lutteur américain" [Leicester sign former American wrestler Semise "Tonga" Kofe]. L'Équipe (in French). 19 August 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
- ^ "Rugby : un ancien lutteur américain de 143 kg signe dans un club anglais" [Rugby: Former 143kg American wrestler signs for English club]. Le Parisien (in French). 19 August 2025. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
- ^ "Utah Warriors Crumble in 33-19 Season-Ending Loss". 21 June 2025.
- ^ "Major League Rugby Announces 2025 First and Second All-MLR Teams, and Honorable Mention".
- ^ "Leicester Tigers sign giant 143kg 'late to rugby' USA international".
- ^ "Tonga Kofe: Leicester Tigers sign US international prop".
- ^ "New Faces as Eagle Pool for PNC Named | Goff Rugby Report".
External links
- Tonga Kofe at ItsRugby.co.uk