GRR on X  GRR on Facebook GRR in Instagram GRR Vimeo Library GRR on YouTube RuggaMatrix America Podcasts Support GRR on Patreon

EIRA Player Spotlight - David Ainuu

irish rugby tours

EIRA Player Spotlight - David Ainuu

David Ainuu in action for the HS All Americans this past summer in Vancouver, BC. Dan Bandoni photo.

The USA national team programs can never have enough props, and one who seems set to be a big part of American rugby's front row is David Ainuu.

The soft-spoken Liberty Patriots HS player is a senior at Capital HS in Olympia, Wash., and still only 17, but he's on everyone's radar. With his powerful legs and impressive mobility, Ainuu is more than just a strong force in the tight five - he's a player who can cover ground. He expects to play some 7s with the HSAA team in Las Vegas and isn't afraid to challenge himself.

"It's good that everyone is looking at me as a top prospect ... but I try to stay humble," said Ainuu. "I've been working out and preparing forrugby and getting in the groove for training and stuff. Aside from school that's my main priority."

School is indeed a priority for Ainuu, who is a Running Start student and will graduate this spring. He is looking at a number of college opportunities, including perhaps going overseas to study and play rugby in New Zealand. He takes both rugby and classwork very seriously, and is an intelligent, unassuming young man.

Below is a more in-depth interview we did with Ainuu. If you don't see the embedded interview, please refresh the page. David Ainuu is our Eagle Impact Rugby Academy Player Spotlight.