announcement: barracudas sign historic partnership with indigenous mana
For immediate release
San Diego
Wednesday December 19 2025
The San Diego Barracudas Rugby League Club is proud to announce a historic partnership with Indigenous Mana ahead of the 2026 NRL Las Vegas 9s, one that is focused on cultural connection, community, and creating meaningful opportunities through sport.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to respect, cultural understanding, and using rugby league as a platform for positive impact. With San Diego County home to the highest number of federally recognised Indigenous tribes in the United States, the collaboration holds strong local significance.
The partnership will include cultural engagement, shared training environments, and the development of pathways for Indigenous athletes and leaders, including a formal cultural ceremony in San Diego and joint practices during the Las Vegas 9s period.
It promises to be an exciting first of its kind partnership. New Barracudas President Valeria Desyatnikova commented, “I’m honored to grow the game of rugby league alongside Indigenous Mana, whose commitment to unity, empowerment, culture, and community aligns deeply with the San Diego Barracudas. Rugby is bigger than borders and rooted in shared purpose.”
There is a GoFundMe for Eli Walsh’s surviving family Amber and their son Mason. Please consider donating.