SaberCats Lock CC Mahoni – Superior Size, Impact Player

SaberCats lock C.C. Mahoni follows this style of play: ‘Aggressive’

By Aaron Wilson

Towering over his competition, imposing SaberCats lock Siaosi “C.C.” Mahoni is one of the largest players in Major League Rugby. 

And the veteran rugby player uses that superior size to his full advantage.

Growing up in California, Mahoni played football and basketball in high school before enrolling at Sacred Heart College.

Now, Mahoni plies his trade in the scrum for the 7-3 SaberCats.

Mahoni smiled when asked about his size. The 6-foot-8 veteran rugby player is down to a lean 265 pounds from 275 pounds to start the season and a previous high of 300 pounds to 315 pounds when he played for the San Diego Legion.

“I’m tall and, luckily, I have some muscles to go with the height,” Mahoni said. “I am not 300 pounds. That was a long time ago when I first came back to America from playing in France. I was big into basketball. Yes, I can still dunk. Coach doesn’t want us shooting around right now.”

Of Tongan descent, Mahoni grew up in Palo Alto. He was part of the first professional rugby competition in the United States playing for the San Francisco Rush.

He joined the Legion after playing in France for RC Narbonne.

Mahoni, 26, played 559 minutes last season in 11 matches with 10 starts and one try before touring to South Africa with the USA Falcons in the Toyota Challenge. He was selected for the USA National Team for the Rugby World Cup final qualifier tournament in Dubai.

In his final season with the Legion, he played 471 minutes in 10 matches and eight starts with one try before playing for the American Raptors against New Zealand.

“I win my set piece and try to get after it,” Mahoni said. “I’m aggressive.”

The SaberCats rely on Mahoni to provide toughness, size and skill.

“He’s been really good,” SaberCats director Heyneke Meyer said. “Very disciplined this year. He’s 100 percent healthy and playing some of his best rugby this year. He’s one of the reasons why our line of defense is so good.”

Playing for the SaberCats, who have a bye this week, Mahoni is part of a contender.

“I’m pretty happy with what we’ve accomplished so far,” Mahoni said. “We’re trucking along, and trying to focus on the next game and not look too far ahead.”

After playing for the San Diego Breakers, EPA Razorbacks, Life West, Gladiators and for the USA Rugby Selects and in various international competitions, Mahoni is enjoying the camaraderie with the SaberCats.

“It’s like waking up and just hanging out with my brothers all day,” Mahoni said. “It doesn’t even feel like a job.”

*Photos by BigShot SnapShots & Nicolas Romero