USA Eagle #373, Valenese 'Nese' Malifa joins the USA Men’s Seven’s coaching team as Assistant Coach.
A decorated Eagle in both Sevens and XV and a respected figure in USA Rugby, Malifa brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished coaching résumé back to the national set up.
Malifa commented on joining the set up for the upcoming season;
“I’m excited about being part of this journey and helping this team grow, develop and achieve our goals.
“The game continues to evolve and change over the years, even from my time. Our challenge now, is to adapt and create an environment where athletes are involved in decision making and solution solving to take ownership of their development. My focus is on building strong relationships based on trust and respect and empowering athletes with the resources to be successful.”
Head Coach Zack Test commented on Nese’s fit within the squad culture and the strengths he will bring out on the pitch.
“What really impressed me about Nese’s coaching history is his ability to build success from the ground up. He’s developed players and teams at every level, from grassroots through to the professional ranks with the same level of commitment and precision. His track record shows not just winning results, but a consistent pattern of growth, culture-building, and player development.
“Nese’s coaching style is the perfect fit for this group because he leads with a hands-on, detail-oriented approach that puts the team’s culture first. He has an exceptional ability to connect with players, understand what drives them, and bring out their best. His clarity, discipline, and tactical sharpness create an environment where both accountability and creativity thrive.
“We expect Nese to elevate this team not just in performance, but in mindset. His deep understanding of the game: technically, tactically, and psychologically, helps players refine their skills and strengthen their mentality. With his team-first philosophy and emphasis on detail, Nese has a proven ability to transform groups into cohesive, competitive units that play with purpose and pride.”
While playing with Belmont Shore Rugby Club, Nese was talent ID’d and soon made his Test debut for the USA Men’s Eagles against England A in May 2007. Malifa earned 23 caps and played in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.
On the Sevens circuit, he made 18 tournament appearances and led the Men’s Eagles Sevens in scoring during the 2009-10 IRB HSBC Sevens World Series winning 120 points.
Malifa began transitioning his focus to coaching with the Glendale Raptors and soon stepped up as assistant coach for the USA Falcons Sevens team from 2012-13. He then joined the Tiger Rugby Academy’s coaching staff in 2014, before being named head coach of Life West women’s XV in 2017, guiding them to a USA Club DI Championship.
Malifa then moved to assistant coach for Major League Rugby’s 404 Rugby ATL from 2018-20, while simultaneously taking on the role of head coach for their developmental team and Pathways program. This dual role allowed him to foster talent at both the professional and emerging levels.
Most recently, Malifa was with the Seattle Seawolves, where he was a key part of the coaching setup for three seasons, helping the club cement its place as a perennial MLR contender.
Nese’s return to Chula Vista now on the coaching side with the Men's Sevens program, where his deep understanding of the game across will be invaluable in preparing the squad for future international competition.
The USA Men’s Sevens kick off their competitive season early 2026.
