DNVR Rugby Podcast: American Raptors Center Aki Pulu

Colton starts the show with “The Breakdown” presented by First Bank by talking about an unsettling trend over the course of the American Raptors’ previous three matches, their final match of the season, and All of the Rugby You Can Watch this weekend presented by Wintergreen (0:00-11:36). After “The Breakdown”, Colton runs an interview with American Raptors center Aki Pulu after he made the Super Rugby Americas First XV back in Round 2 (11:38-19:34). Following the interview presented by O’Neills, Colton assigns some “Required Reading” presented by Maria Empanda, and closes the show with “The Loop” presented by Physio Pro (19:36-25:01).

Aki Pulu is the youngest member of the American Raptors, having joined the team right after graduating from Cactus High School in Glendale, Arizona in May 2022. A standout linebacker and running back at Cactus, Pulu also played for Tempe Rugby Club before joining the Raptors ahead of the Fall 2022 season. Pulu has had a stellar first season with the Raptors in Super Rugby Americas, scoring one try and earning First XV honors in Round 2. His performance over the course of the season earned him a selection to the 2023 USA Men’s Eagles player pool.

Please send in any questions you have about the American Raptors, rugby in Colorado, Major League Rugby, or American rugby as a whole to @DNVR_Rugby and @coltonstrickler on Twitter or leave a comment below.

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