Ngalu joins the Free Jacks on a four-week trial to develop and compete as a potential crossover athlete

Boston, MA — April 20, 2021 — The Free Jacks are pleased to announce the arrival of Ahongalu ‘Ngalu’ Fusimalohi to New England on a four-week trial with team. Ngalu joins as a potential crossover athlete having enjoyed a prolific American Football career, as a two-time Lineman of the Year at The University of Kansas and Big 12 Offensive Lineman honorable mention. The 6’3, 290lb Tongan born athlete joins the Free Jacks as he looks to transition back to the sport he played growing up.

“First off, I’d like to thank the Free Jacks and Tom Kindley for this opportunity to learn, develop and compete,” commented Ngalu. “I’m pumped to work with the guys and whole staff in a new training environment and push myself and my skillset. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the work ethic I’ve experienced throughout my football career and I’m excited to represent the great New England states.”

Born and raised in Tonga, Ngalu originally played rugby in middle and high school for Tonga Side, and Tonga High School, respectively, before moving to the United States in 2009. For Ngalu, rugby runs in the Fusimalohi family as his brother, Tavake Fusimalohi represented Tongan Sevens and the NTT Docomo from the Japanese Top League.

“Ngalu ‘the-tap-dancer’ Fusimalohi enters our New England program with a lot of intrigue,” noted Free Jacks Head Coach, Ryan Martin. “What caught my eye was the way the 6’3 290 lb athlete was able to dance around on the Football Field. Ngalu has crossover potential written all over him with not only his stature and athletic prowess but, more importantly, his attitude and work ethic. Ngalu will get world class nurturing from proven super rugby front rowers in De Jager, Fa’agase and Jansen at the Free Jacks and we are excited to work with him on his development to be the best tap-dancing front-rower he can be”.

A prolific American Football player, Ngalu originally played for Jefferson High School (Daly City, California) where he was named All-League as a defensive tackle in his first year playing the sport. During Ngalu’s time at Jefferson High School he won Most Valuable Player before graduating and moving on to the city college of San Francisco where he helped lead the team to a Junior College National Championship while acquiring an Associated Degree.

Ngalu went on to play for the University of Kansas and played for Head Coach Charlie Weis where he started all games of Kansas. He was awarded KU Lineman of the year  two years in a row, earned All Big 12 honorable mention and was named on the Polynesian Athlete of the Year watch list. Ngalu had a great senior season that was, unfortunately, cut short during the 8th game due to injury which hampered his NFL chances as he was unable to partake in pro day. Upon graduating from the University of Kansas, Ngalu attended many NFL free agent camps and was lined up to play in the XFL before the pandemic shut it down.

While not competing on the field, Ngalu works full-time for the School Districts (High School to Elementary) as a Paraprofessional and coaching high school football.

Welcome Ngalu to New England and stay up to date with the latest as we follow Ngalu’s journey in Rugby.