Legion Academy U18s Complete Successful Australia and Fiji Tour

The Legion Academy U18 Boys concluded their 2026 Australia and Fiji Tour with a 4-4-1 record against some of the strongest junior rugby competition in Australia and Fiji.

Over nine matches, Legion demonstrated both offensive firepower and team depth, scoring 125 points while allowing 101. Perhaps most impressively, scoring contributions came from throughout the roster, with 13 different players crossing the try line during the tour.

Maverick DeClark led all scorers with 25 points, followed by Gavin Daoud with 18 points, Luke Hensley with 15 points, and Max Ricono with 12 points. Henry Mallory and Remo Robertson each recorded two tries during the tour, while Bruce Barnier, Justin Diaz, Liam Dunphy, Finn Hannegan, Thomas Reynoso, Jacob Ruvalcaba, and Patrick Knight also contributed tries.

The team finished the tour with:

• 17 Tries
• 12 Conversions
  
• 4 Penalty Goals
  
• 1 Drop Goal
  
• 125 Total Points Scored
  
• +24 Point Differential
  

Team Manager Brian Dunphy credited the team's success to its willingness to play as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of individual all-stars.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of this tour was seeing so many different players contribute to our scoring. The boys learned to trust one another and play for the player next to them. The coaching staff did an outstanding job identifying weaknesses in opposing defenses, making smart substitutions, and putting players in positions to succeed. Nearly half of the roster found their way onto the score sheet during the tour, which speaks volumes about the depth and selflessness of this group."

Head Coach Dan DeClark praised the leadership shown throughout the tour by captain Thomas Reynoso and senior leaders Luke Hensley, Maverick DeClark, and Gavin Daoud.

"Those players set the standard every day. They inspired their teammates to play for each other, spread the field, stay disciplined, and attack opportunities with physicality and tenacity. Their leadership was a major reason this group came together so quickly."

Legion Community Foundation Executive Director David Haigh noted that the group's leadership and team's physicality were defining features of the entire tour.

"The physicality and composure of our players on this tour was exceptional, truly setting the Legion Academy apart from the competition. What we saw on display in Australia and Fiji was the direct result of a remarkable team culture. Head Coach Dan DeClark, Team Manager Brian Dunphy, and Captain Thomas Reynoso have established a standard of high performance, resilience, and deep mutual respect that will influence these young men long after the tour ends."

For many players, the tour represented their first opportunity to compete internationally against elite opposition. The experience challenged the squad to adapt to a faster pace of play, different styles of rugby, and the demands of tournament competition while building team chemistry in just a few short weeks together.

Beyond the results on the field, the cultural experiences in Australia and Fiji left a lasting impression on players, coaches, and families alike. Whether competing against top Australian representative sides, sharing post-match meals with opponents, or singing alongside Fijian players after the final whistle at Lawaqa Stadium, the tour showcased rugby's unique ability to unite people across cultures and continents.

The Legion Academy U18s return home not only as better rugby players, but as young men with a deeper appreciation for the global rugby community and the lifelong bonds created through the game.

2026 Australia/Fiji Tour Scoring Leaders