SeaWolves Acquire Legion Lock Mitchell in Trade, Signs Multiyear Contract with Seattle
September 23, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Seattle Seawolves News Release
TUKWILA, WASHINGTON – The Seattle Seawolves have acquired and signed former San Diego Legion Lock, Ben Mitchell, for the 2023 season and beyond via a trade for Hooker Sean McNulty. The Irishman brought his youth and collegiate playing experience to the United States in 2016, joining the Gentlemen of Aspen as a player and eventually as a Coach. Mitchell is a MLR original, already surpassing 50 appearances after consistent selections with Austin (2018-19) and San Diego (2020-2022) respectively. The Lock was brought into the USA Selects in 2021 after growth in MLR, including All-MLR 1st Team (2018) and 2nd Team (2019) selections.
“It’s exciting to add a player of Ben’s experience, quality, and ambition to the squad for the forthcoming season,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke. “Another USA-eligible player, he further strengthens our competition in the second row while adding tremendous athleticism and game-understanding to our forward unit. We welcome Ben and Mariah to the Seawolves family; it’s fantastic they have committed to what we are building for the next three seasons.”
“I am thrilled to be heading to Seattle,” said Mitchell. “When I decided to look at new teams, I drew up a list and Seattle was at the top of it. The club ticks every box. It’s run properly on and off the field, there’s a top-class coaching staff and a team that perennially competes for Championships. I’m excited to play in front of the famous Starfire home crowd and help the team try and bring another Championship back to the city of Seattle.”
The 2023 Seawolves Rugby season is set to kick off in January 2023 with preseason matches before the MLR regular season begins.
BEN MITCHELL
POSITION: Lock
AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 6’7″
WEIGHT: 245 lbs.
HOMETOWN: Cork, Ireland
COLLEGE: University College Cork
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