California Legion Announces 2026 Coaching Staff
California Legion has confirmed its high-performance coaching group for the 2026 Major League Rugby season, bringing together proven MLR leaders, pathway developers, and international performance expertise.
The 2026 Legion staff blends MLR and collegiate coaching talent, led by RFCLA’s Stephen Hoiles as the Head Coach, with San Diego Legion’s Dave Clancy, RFCLA’s Dave Dennis, and Central Washington’s Todd Thornley making up the assistant coaches, while Utah’s Sebastian Pearson leads all strength, conditioning, and performance.
“From day one, our ambition has been to build a world-class rugby program that represents California,” said Legion CEO Adam Freier.
“That starts with assembling a coaching and performance group that not only knows how to win in MLR, but knows how to develop players, elevate standards, and connect with our community. This group delivers that.”
“This staff blends experience, innovation, and a genuine passion for American rugby,” Freier added. “It reflects how serious we are about giving players every opportunity to thrive and giving our supporters a team they can be proud of.”
Freier also emphasized the importance of blending professional and collegiate talent pathways.
“The group brings a unique mix of knowledge across MLR and the collegiate landscape,” he said.
“Having Stephen and Dave return brings continuity, and adding a highly respected attack and player-development coach in Dave Clancy, alongside one of the top collegiate coaches in 2025 in Todd Thornley, gives the club a real chance to move quickly while developing the next generation of Californian talent.”
Head Coach – Stephen Hoiles
Former Wallaby and Australian Sevens coach Stephen Hoiles takes charge following a successful period in Los Angeles. Hoiles first entered MLR in 2021 as part of the LA Giltinis coaching staff that won the MLR Championship, before being elevated to head coach in 2022.
After returning to Australia to lead Randwick to a Shute Shield title, Hoiles rejoined MLR in 2025 to guide Rugby Football Club Los Angeles to a finals run. He now brings a clear focus on standards, connection, and attacking clarity as California Legion prepares for its inaugural campaign.
Assistant Coach, Backs - Dave Clancy
Dave Clancy joins California Legion after leading the Chicago Hounds attack in 2023 and 2024, before moving to the San Diego Legion coaching group for 2025. Clancy has a strong background in player development through the LA Giltinis Academy, USA Rugby pathways, and the Legion Academy. He will oversee California’s attacking detail, skill development, and tactical cohesion in 2026.
Assistant Coach, Defense - Dave Dennis
Former Wallaby Dave Dennis brings elite playing pedigree and championship leadership as he transitions deeper into coaching. Dennis captained the NSW Waratahs to a Super Rugby title and completed a European-UK double with the Exeter Chiefs, before leading the LA Giltinis to an MLR title as captain in 2021.
Dennis joins California Legion with an emphasis on defensive cohesion, collective effort, and forward-led support structures that hold under pressure.
Assistant Coach, Forwards - Todd Thornley
Currently immersed at UCLA as the team Assistant Coach in 2026, Todd Thornley enters MLR after nearly a decade as head coach at Central Washington University (2016–2025). Thornley has coached extensively across USA Rugby pathways, serving as head coach of the USA U23s (2021–2022) and USA U19s (2025), and as an assistant with the USA Selects focusing on breakdown and set piece.
He brings a teaching-first approach and will drive technical detail, physical performance, and platform effectiveness in the forward pack.
Performance Lead: Sebastian Pearson
Sebastian Pearson rounds out the group after running high-performance programs in both MLR and international rugby. Pearson served as Director of Athletic Performance for the Utah Warriors from 2023 to 2025 and as a Strength & Conditioning Coach with Rugby Canada from 2021 to 2023. With a player-centric and modern performance lens, he will oversee durability, speed profiles, and weekly readiness as the Legion builds toward 2026.
Together, the staff brings MLR championship pedigree, USA Rugby pathway leadership, and international performance expertise as California Legion establishes its foundation for 2026 and beyond.
