Lino Saunitoga Joins The Austin Gilgronis

ROUND ROCK, Texas (November 10, 2019) - Austin Gilgronis is excited to announce the signing of Lino Saunitoga. Lino is a 6’5” 210lb loose forward from Savusavu, Fiji. Lino played with the Fiji 7s training squad before making the transition to the fifteen-a-side game.

“I want to try to get everything right each day and learn as much as I can to help my teammates win the championship,” said Lino. “Being a part of the Gilgronis family means a lot to me, especially knowing all the support I have from my family back home.”

When Lino was four years old, his older brother bought him a pair of rugby cleats and a rugby ball. From that day on it was his goal to make his family proud playing the game he loved. In 2009, Lino shined in the loose forwards for the storied Marist Rugby Club, earning a promotion to the provincial competition with the Lautoka Maroons. His performance did not go unnoticed, as he earned his way onto the Fiji 7s training squad.

In 2011, Lino moved to Hawaii to be closer to his wife and kids and joined up with the Kalihi Raiders and coach Sam Robinson who had developed a handsome resume for identifying talent with the Minnesota-based 7s program, YoungBloodz. With the Kalihi Raiders Lino was named team captain and led the Raiders to a state championship.

“Lino came highly recommended from Sam Robinson of the Hawaiian championship-winning Kalihi Raiders,” said Andrew Suniula. “Sam has developed a handful of Olympians like Garrett Bender and Nate Augspurger, so I trust his recommendation on Lino and look forward to working on his development.”

Lino looks to make an impact in the loose forwards with his length and unique offload ability.

Welcome to the Gilgronis, Lino Saunitoga!