Marc Carter, Alex Corbisiero and Mick Stephens celebrate their league success. (Credit: Brian Jackson)
Sparky makes most of Gilt-edged opportunity
Over 5000 miles separate Marc ‘Sparky’ Carter from his home town of Barry and his new home in Santa Monica. But for a man who’s already been on 28 flights this year, it probably doesn’t seem all that far.
When the former Scarlets and Wales U20 analyst was interviewed a year ago, he spoke of his interest in Major League Rugby in North America. It’s thanks to another Welshman that this seed of ambition came to fruition soon thereafter.
“I’d been in Hong Kong for three years and was thinking about a new challenge, so I reached out to [Canada head coach] Kingsley Jones,” explains the 35-year-old. “He offered me the job of supporting Rugby Canada into the 2023 World Cup, then linked me up with the head coach of the LA Giltinis, Darren Coleman. I had this dual role, building the relationship between the two organisations, bringing players in and supporting analysis growth.”
‘Do it different’ was the motto of Coleman and the MLR franchise’s owner, F45 Fitness founder Adam Gilchrist. It didn’t take Carter long to realise that these weren’t empty words. After six weeks of Zoom quizzes, the Giltinis finally met up for the first time in Hawaii for a training camp. Those four weeks would set the tone for the season to come.
A training camp in Maui laid the foundation for the Giltinis' successful season.
Carter, a former pupil at Ysgol Glantaf, says: “We had twelve different nationalities, from 19-year-old Americans to hugely experienced guys like Matt Giteau, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Dave Dennis. We were sat in a circle on this beach in Maui, and the first thing DC said was: ‘Look around you. 70% of these guys should be at your wedding. Rugby’s all about getting to know each other and becoming mates.’
“He really emphasised the importance of human connection, and by the end of the season we knew what he’d meant by those words.”
Personable and outgoing, Carter proves that recruitment on the backroom team can be just as important as on-field signings – as the MRL’s star player confirms. “He’s been as important as any of the coaches when it comes to the Giltinis’ success,” says Matt Giteau. “’Sparky’ is extremely positive, has a great work ethic and is just good to be around. He’s the sort of character you need in a rugby organisation. Has he promised me a night out in Cardiff? He wouldn’t need to, because if he didn’t come I’m sure I’d find someone else. It’s a great place, I love it there. He’s actually never offered me a night out in Barry!”
The Giltinis hosted Utah in the first ever game of rugby at the SoFi Stadium - the most expensive stadium in the world.
The Giltinis rolled into the MRL and promptly won six games on the bounce. “We were on fire, and there were some really high-scoring games,” says Carter, who has travelled across the whole continent for fixtures in places like New York and Texas. “But that also put a target on our back.” They rose to the challenge and ultimately claimed the Championship on their home turf, the iconic LA Coliseum, in August.
There is a distinctly Australian feel to the Giltinis organisation. Head coach Coleman has now departed to take the reins at the Waratahs, and replacing him is last season’s assistant coach, former Wallabies back-rower Stephen Hoiles. The 121-times capped Ashley-Cooper has hung up his boots to become backs and attack coach, while the general manager is Adam Freier, another former Wallaby. Mixing things up are England and British and Irish Lions looshead Alex Corbisiero (scrum) and New Zealand Sevens’ Orene Ai’i (skills).
“They’re all massively experienced rugby players,” says Carter of the impressive backroom staff, “but since their coaching experiences is very fresh, the general manager is keen for my role to expand in order to better support those guys in new ways, whether that’s session-planning or setting objectives. That’s very encouraging for me.
“You couple all that with how exciting the league is and the growth we’re going to see in these athletes in North America, and that makes for a potent mix.”
Carter (far left) and the Giltinis celebrate beating Rugby ATL of Atlanta in the MLR Final. (Credit: Brian Jackson)
Carter, who previously worked with Wales head coach Wayne Pivac at the Scarlets, is bullish when asked about his ambitions. “We’d love to be able to do the double next season. That’s always a big challenge, but an exciting one. Personally, my long-term goal and my passion lies in analysis and rugby education – something I feel is going to be key here in North America over the next decade. I’d like to get an experienced performance analyst in every MLR club, then support Rugby Canada as a national programme, growing their analysis infrastructure.”
He likes to aim big – and why not? It’s taken him this far already. He lives a few streets away from the famous Santa Monica pier, is newly engaged, and has his sights set on more silverware with the MLR’s most exciting team.
“These past eight months have been like a dream come true,” says Carter. “This has been my fourteenth year in professional rugby, and I am really am grateful for everything this sport has given me. The opportunities to travel and meet new people are something I never take for granted.”
