2 days ago
Hawaii's Pono Davis aims for Postseason run in Major League Rugby
Kailua-Kona native, Pono Davis is in his 4th year of playing rugby, and currently suits up for the Houston SaberCats.
Davis has helped the SaberCats clinch a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
'We got a lot of guys returning from previous years, so a lot of us kind of had that bitter taste in our mouth from from last year,' said Davis.
Houston only has 1 more game remaining before the 4-team Western Conference Playoffs begin. Houston could end up as the 2nd or 3rd seed in the bracket.
This year, Davis has teamed up with his cousin Dom Akina on Houston.
Akina plays the Center position while Davis is in the Prop position. the Duo coming together to try and win a MLR Championship this season.
For Davis, he also has recently suited up for the Team USA Eagles Rugby squad.
'Being able to represent America, I felt like I'm representing Hawaii and it's just amazing. It's a great feeling to be able to put that jersey on, play for my brothers out there on the field and represent my family and my country,' Said Davis.
The Kamehameha-Hawaii alum said it was a surreal feeling playing for Team USA, and he didn't expect it so soon as he just started playing the sport 4 years ago.
Davis transitioned from football to rugby after he finished up his college career at SMU.
Now, he hopes to continue to make a name for himself in the sport of Rugby while also proving to kids in Hawaii that anything can be accomplished as long as you train and believe in yourself.
'I just hope that, you know, kids back home can know that, you know, anything's possible and you can always compete at the highest level. You just got to apply yourself and do the best that you can,' said Davis.
Houston will finish the regular season this week as they will take on Anthem RC on Sunday, June 8th at 2pm HT on ESPN+.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
