Leaney Bolsters Legion Front Row
Australian prop Declan Leaney joins California Legion for 2026 after a season with Rugby FC LA. The Randwick product brings championship pedigree and MLR experience to the front row.
The Australian front rower arrives after competing with Rugby FC LA during the 2025 Major League Rugby season. Leaney made seven appearances with two starts in his first MLR campaign and earned MLR Team of the Week honors in Round 8.
Before moving to the United States, Leaney played for Randwick between 2019 and 2023. He was part of the Shute Shield winning Randwick side in 2023, entering the Championship match early and playing through a foot injury to help secure the title. His time at Randwick placed him in one of Australia’s most competitive club environments and helped prepare him for the physical demands of professional rugby.
Leaney grew up in Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales north coast. He began in rugby league before shifting to rugby union as a teenager, a transition that sharpened his ball-carrying instincts and work rate in tight spaces.
He joined RFCLA ahead of the 2025 MLR season and steadily earned opportunities in the front row rotation. His first professional start came in Round 8 in a victory over the Houston SaberCats. In that match, he recorded 21 tackles and secured Team of the Week recognition.
Leaney has shown an ability to respond to pressure and grow quickly at the professional level. His path from regional Australia to Shute Shield champion to MLR contributor reflects a player comfortable in high-demand environments.
Now joining Legion, Leaney adds depth, size, and competitive edge to the front row group as the club builds for 2026.
