2026 California U19 Boys All-State Teams Announced
Following the 2026 California All State Elite Series held in Long Beach, CA on May 30-31, the California U19 Boys All-State First and Second Team selections have been finalized and announced.
The California All State Elite Series brought together the top U19 players from across the state, representing the NorCal Grizzlies, LA Grizzlies, and San Diego’s Legion Academy U18s. Over two days of high-level competition, athletes competed for regional pride while showcasing their talent against the best age-grade players in California.
To ensure an impartial selection process, the All State Team Selections were chosen by an independent panel consisting of two current Collegiate Rugby Association of America (CRAA) head coaches, a former long serving Men's National Team USA Eagle, and a former Australian professional player.
Selectors evaluated players based on their performance throughout the tournament, including skill execution, consistency, decision-making, game impact, and overall contribution to their team.
Selection to the California All-State teams represents recognition of outstanding performance at one of the premier age-grade rugby events in the United States and highlights athletes who have demonstrated the potential to progress through collegiate, professional, and national team pathways.
2026 California All-State First Team Selection
| Pos | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trey Connor | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 2 | Liam Dunphy | SD Legion Academy |
| 3 | Josh Diaz | LA Grizzlies |
| 4 | Rowan Hester | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 5 | Maximus Beischi | LA Grizzlies |
| 6 | Bruce Barnier | SD Legion Academy |
| 7 | Nolan Abeyta | LA Grizzlies |
| 8 | OC Lehner | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 9 | Julian Lauti | LA Grizzlies |
| 10 | Thomas Parrott | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 11 | Carson Strain | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 12 | Makai Harris | LA Grizzlies |
| 13 | Uatesoni Pifileti | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 14 | Dylan Pownall | LA Grizzlies |
| 15 | Jesse Torres | LA Grizzlies |
2026 California All-State Second Team Selection
| Pos | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kolotolu Liti | LA Grizzlies |
| 2 | Steven Loftesnes | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 3 | Luke Recktenwald | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 4 | Shelby Moiesfield | LA Grizzlies |
| 5 | Jon Lee Denham | LA Grizzlies |
| 6 | James Ulloa | SD Legion Academy |
| 7 | Andrew Campbell | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 8 | Kaiden Grant | LA Grizzlies |
| 9 | Chris Leibbrandt | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 10 | Gavyn DeGiacomo | SD Legion Academy |
| 11 | McKennon Pierce | LA Grizzlies |
| 12 | Danny Dunne | NorCal Grizzlies |
| 13 | Majesty Aupiu | LA Grizzlies |
| 14 | Braden Pharris | SD Legion Academy |
| 15 | Seti Perona | NorCal Grizzlies |
Click here for Gavyn DeGiacomo's 2025 Legion U15s UK tour highlights.
The California Grizzlies and Legion Academy congratulate all selected athletes and recognize every player who participated in the California All-State Elite Series. The quality of rugby displayed throughout the tournament reflects the continued growth of the game across California and the dedication of the athletes, coaches, clubs, schools, and families who support it.
Special thanks are extended to the coaches, selectors, referees, volunteers, managers, parents, and supporters whose efforts helped make the event possible.
We remain committed to creating meaningful development opportunities and strengthening the pathway for California athletes to collegiate, professional, and international rugby.