Returning ‘Core Pod’ Ready to Hunt Again in 2023

October 28, 2022 – Major League Rugby (MLR) – Seattle Seawolves News Release

TUKWILA, WA – Back for a new hunt is a group of strong, dedicated talent returning to the pitch at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. Building on the successes and learnings of 2022, this ‘Core Pod’ of the 2023 squad is united and focused on bringing home a third Major League Rugby (MLR) Shield in 2023.

“We are committed to building sustainable success in all areas of our program with the common goal of being the best on and off the pitch,” said Allen Clarke, Seawolves director of rugby and head coach.

“I’m hugely excited by the potential and ambition of the squad. We’ve retained the core of our player group but importantly recruited high caliber individuals to add depth and competition. We have a common goal – to go one step further in 2023!

Through the support of our ownership, we have been able to direct resources to build strong connections in the local community through amateur rugby leagues, clubs, and local school districts. Introducing the next generation of athletes to rugby at all ages and levels has been an honor, and we will continue to build our pathway this season to invest in opportunities to support our rugby community through clinics and coaching.

Our fans are the best in MLR, and we are inspired to deliver a brand of winning rugby which continues to thrill them. As we welcome the squad back to training camp in January, we are dedicated to the growth and success of the Seawolves family at all levels – players, management, and fans. It’s not just a hashtag; #TogetherWeHunt is a theme in everything we do.”

“The Seawolves are a family within a family, within a community; there is no division, there are no distractions. This is sport at its essence.” David Drown, Experience Tukwila reporter

Confirmed players returning to train with the Seawolves this winter from all over the world are:

FRONT ROW

Mzamo Majola

James Malcolm

Sam Matenga

Alex Glover

Dewald Donald

LOCKS

Ryhno Herbst

Ben Landry

BACK ROW

Nakai Penny

Andrew Duratalo

Riekert Hattingh

HALF BACKS

Reid Watkins

JP Smith

AJ Alatimu

CENTERS

Pite Lopeti

Dan Kriel

David Busby

Lopeti Aisea

BACK THREE

Ina Futi

Cole Zarcone

Jeremiah Sio

Martin Iosefo

Duncan Matthews

COACHES

Allen Clarke

Valenese Malifa

James Kimerer

Luca Hocevar

Paddy Gleason

Kees Lensing

Lauren Barber

Also returning is our best-in-class medical team and athletic training staff.

Already announced trade acquisitions Ben Mitchell and Peter Malcolm, as well as 2022 MLR College Draftee picks Shane Barry, Neal Moylett, Sam Wegert, and James Kuahiwinui, are all eager to arrive in Seattle. More Seawolves signings and the 2023 MLR schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

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