Seattle Seawolves
The Seattle Seawolves are an American professional rugby union team based in the Seattle metropolitan area, competing as a charter franchise in Major League Rugby (MLR).[1][2] Founded in 2017, the team plays its home matches at the 4,000-seat Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, a suburb south of Seattle.[3][4] The Seawolves are two-time MLR champions, having won the inaugural league title in 2018 and defended it in 2019, and they remain one of the league's most successful franchises with multiple playoff appearances, including a Western Conference championship in 2022 and a semifinal berth in 2025.[1][5] The team was established by a group of local rugby enthusiasts led by owner Julie Prentice, with the goal of bringing professional rugby to the Pacific Northwest and fostering community engagement through the sport.[6] In their debut 2018 season, under head coach Mike Tolkin, the Seawolves finished with an 8-2 regular-season record and upset the top-seeded Glendale Raptors 23-19 in the championship final at Torero Stadium in San Diego.[1] The following year, they repeated as champions with a 26-23 victory over the San Diego Legion, becoming the first team in MLR history to win back-to-back titles and solidifying their reputation for disciplined play and strong forward packs.[1][5] Since their early dominance, the Seawolves have continued to compete at a high level, reaching the 2022 MLR final (a 15-30 loss to the Major League Rugby champions Rugby New York) and the 2024 final, while advancing to the 2025 Western Conference semifinals before a narrow 23-21 defeat to the Utah Warriors.[5][7] Ownership was expanded in 2018 to include minority stakes held by New Zealand's Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby unions, marking the first Super Rugby investment in an MLR team, as well as high-profile local investors such as former NFL players Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Peters, who joined in April 2025, and NBA All-Star Paolo Banchero, who invested in November 2025, to boost the team's visibility and community ties.[8][9][10] Beyond competition, the Seawolves emphasize youth development, diversity initiatives, and fan engagement, hosting events at their team store and contributing to rugby's growth in a region traditionally dominated by American football and soccer.[1][6]History
Inception and founding
The Seattle Seawolves were founded in 2017 by principal owners Adrian Balfour and Shane Skinner, supported by a group of over 20 minority investors drawn from the local business community and international rugby stakeholders.[11][12] This investor coalition provided the financial foundation for establishing a professional rugby franchise in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing community development and the growth of the sport in the United States. In November 2017, Major League Rugby (MLR) officially announced the Seawolves as one of seven inaugural teams, marking the league's launch as North America's first fully professional rugby union competition.[13][14] The team name "Seawolves" was chosen to evoke Seattle's deep maritime heritage and the region's abundant marine life, particularly the pod-hunting orcas of Puget Sound, symbolizing strength, teamwork, and the city's coastal identity. Preparations accelerated with the hiring of Tony Healy as the first head coach in October 2017, though he did not serve for the inaugural season; Canadian rugby veteran Phil Mack acted as player-head coach for 2018.[15] Initial player recruitment focused on blending local talent from Pacific Northwest clubs, such as the Seattle Saracens, with international experience from players like Canadian national team member Brock Staller and former England Sevens captain Mathew Turner, announced through a series of signings in late 2017.[16][17][18] These efforts aimed to create a diverse squad capable of representing the region's rugby potential on a national stage. In late 2017, the Seawolves conducted pre-season preparations, including internal exhibitions to integrate the new roster, while prioritizing community engagement through partnerships like those with the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and Special Olympics Washington, hosting events to promote rugby and inclusivity in Seattle.[19][20] These initiatives laid the groundwork for the team's debut in the 2018 MLR season, fostering grassroots support and aligning with the franchise's mission to expand rugby's footprint in the community.Ownership evolution
The Seattle Seawolves were founded in 2017 by an investor group led by Adrian Balfour and Shane Skinner. In February 2018, New Zealand's Crusaders Super Rugby team and the Canterbury Rugby Union acquired minority stakes in the franchise, marking the first such investment by a Super Rugby side in Major League Rugby (MLR); this partnership aimed to foster player development pathways, including opportunities for Canterbury club players to gain exposure in the U.S. professional environment.[11][8][21] Julie Prentice and Chris Prentice have been involved in ownership since the team's inception, bringing a strong community-oriented approach to the franchise. Julie Prentice, a co-founder and philanthropist, focused on inclusivity through initiatives like "Run With the Pack" and partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs, while also co-founding the Girls High School All-American program in 2014 to develop women's rugby pathways. Chris Prentice, a business leader and co-owner, supported sustainable growth by expanding youth clinics, high school and collegiate programs, and post-college opportunities for players.[6][22] In April 2025, former NFL stars Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Peters joined as investors, adding celebrity endorsement and broadening the team's marketing reach in the Pacific Northwest; Lynch's existing stakes in Seattle-area sports entities like the NHL's Kraken further aligned with local fan engagement, while Peters' advocacy for mental health initiatives complemented MLR's wellness priorities.[23][9] Under Prentice-led ownership, the group has driven facility enhancements at Starfire Stadium to improve matchday experiences and community connections, while bolstering academy programs through Atavus Rugby for youth exposure and regional pathways announced in 2021. These efforts include financial commitments to ensure MLR stability, such as the franchise's reaffirmed dedication to the 2026 season supported by commercial partnerships.[22][6][24][25]Key milestones
The Seattle Seawolves made an immediate impact in Major League Rugby (MLR) by securing back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019, marking them as the league's first repeat winners since its inception that year.[1] In the inaugural 2018 final, they defeated the Glendale Raptors 23-19 at Torero Stadium in San Diego, showcasing a balanced attack led by key contributions from players like Shalom Suniula.[1] The following year, they repeated the feat with a 26-23 victory over the San Diego Legion in the 2019 championship, solidifying their status as early MLR powerhouses through disciplined defense and opportunistic scoring.[1] The franchise's momentum was disrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the suspension of match play in March and the eventual cancellation of the entire shortened season in response to health concerns across North America.[26] During this period, the Seawolves prioritized player safety by adhering to league-wide protocols, including testing, quarantine measures, and full salary payments to maintain team loyalty amid the uncertainty. Resuming operations post-pandemic, the Seawolves captured the 2022 Western Conference Championship under head coach Allen Clarke, earning a berth in the MLR final against Eastern Conference winners Rugby New York, where they lost 30-15.[1] This appearance marked their third championship match in five seasons, highlighting their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level despite the league's expansion.[27] Sustained excellence continued into 2024, when the Seawolves advanced to the MLR Championship final after clinching the Western Conference title, only to fall 20-11 to the defending champions, the New England Free Jacks, at Snapdragon Stadium.[28] This runner-up finish underscored their ongoing competitiveness, with precise kicking and forward dominance from opponents proving decisive in the tightly contested match.[29] In 2023, the Seawolves expanded their off-field presence by establishing community initiatives focused on youth rugby programs, such as skills clinics and the Run With the Pack series, alongside partnerships with local schools to introduce the sport into physical education curricula and assemblies.[30] These efforts aimed to foster accessibility and growth in the Pacific Northwest, distributing rugby equipment and hosting inclusive events for underserved communities.[30] Capping the 2025 season, the Seawolves hosted their inaugural end-of-season honors event in June, a gala-style gathering that recognized player achievements, staff dedication, and team milestones as part of a new tradition to celebrate collective contributions.[31]Facilities
Starfire Stadium
Starfire Stadium, located in Tukwila, Washington, serves as the primary home venue for the Seattle Seawolves since the team's debut in Major League Rugby in 2018.[32] The facility features a capacity of 4,500 spectators for rugby matches and includes modern amenities such as a press box with Wi-Fi and stadium audio access, a full scoreboard with video capabilities, and professional lighting.[33] Originally developed as a soccer complex, it has a high-quality artificial turf pitch designed for multi-sport use, supporting the demands of professional rugby.[33] The stadium is part of the larger Starfire Sports complex, which the Seawolves share with other athletic programs, including the Tacoma Defiance (formerly Seattle Sounders FC 2), who originally played there from 2015 to 2017, relocated to Tacoma for 2018–2019, and returned in 2020, continuing through 2025. Since its opening to the Seawolves, Starfire has hosted all of the team's home games through the 2025 season, providing an intimate setting that enhances the match-day atmosphere for fans and players alike.[32] During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, in which the Seawolves captured Major League Rugby championships, the venue served as the base for their successful home performances leading to those titles. Adjacent to the stadium, the Starfire complex includes dedicated training fields that support the team's daily operations and academy programs.[33]Training and academy facilities
The Seattle Seawolves conduct their primary training sessions at the expansive fields of Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, which serves as the team's base since its founding in 2018.[34] This facility, part of a larger sports complex, provides multiple outdoor pitches suitable for rugby drills and scrimmages, supplemented by nearby fields in the Puget Sound region to accommodate varied weather conditions and scheduling needs.[33] In 2021, the club established the Seawolves Academy to nurture youth and collegiate players, focusing on skill development and pathways to professional rugby.[35] The academy partners with local organizations, including the Seattle Saracens, to integrate regional talent through joint clinics, camps, and competitive opportunities that emphasize fundamentals like tackling, passing, and game strategy.[36] The team utilizes advanced high-performance infrastructure at Starfire Stadium, including an 85,000-square-foot athletic center equipped with a gymnasium for strength and conditioning, recovery areas for physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and dedicated video analysis rooms for tactical review.[33] These resources, supported by investments from the club's ownership, enable comprehensive athlete preparation and injury prevention protocols. To support international player integration, the Seawolves leverage their 2018 partnership with New Zealand's Crusaders rugby franchise, which includes coaching exchanges and development initiatives to bridge cultural and technical gaps for overseas recruits.[8] This collaboration, stemming from a minority ownership stake by the Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby Union, facilitates knowledge transfer in training methodologies and player adaptation programs.[37]Broadcasting
National and streaming coverage
The Seattle Seawolves benefit from Major League Rugby's (MLR) centralized broadcasting strategy, which has provided national and digital visibility since the league's founding. Primary streaming of Seawolves matches occurs on The Rugby Network, launched in March 2021 in partnership with RugbyPass as a free platform for North American audiences, offering live streams of select games and on-demand replays of all matches after a 72-hour delay for U.S. viewers.[38][39] The platform is accessible via its dedicated app on iOS and Android devices, enabling fans to follow Seawolves games alongside other MLR content, including highlights and analysis.[40] National television coverage for the Seawolves began with the 2018 MLR season through a multi-year deal with CBS Sports Network, which aired select regular-season and playoff games featuring the team, such as the inaugural championship match.[41] This was expanded in 2021 with FOX Sports broadcasting additional Seawolves fixtures on FS1 and FS2, increasing exposure during key matchups like the season opener against the Houston SaberCats.[42] Starting in 2025, ESPN secured a multiyear media rights agreement with MLR, streaming all Seawolves games live on ESPN+ from the season's kickoff on February 15, alongside select linear broadcasts on ESPN2 to further elevate the team's national profile.[43] Internationally, Seawolves matches reach global audiences via RugbyPass, which has provided streaming coverage since a 2019 pilot program expanded to full MLR distribution on RugbyPass TV, offering live and on-demand access outside North America.[44] This reach is amplified by the team's minority ownership stake held by New Zealand's Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby since 2018, fostering cross-promotion and player development ties that highlight Seawolves games within New Zealand rugby ecosystems.[8] In 2025, MLR introduced expanded digital offerings, including official highlight packages for Seawolves games posted on YouTube through team and league channels, alongside social media clips that drive fan engagement across platforms like Instagram and Facebook.Local media partnerships
The Seattle Seawolves have established key local media partnerships in the Pacific Northwest to boost visibility and community engagement, primarily through television, radio, print, and digital platforms. Since the team's inception in Major League Rugby in 2018, KING 5 (KING-TV) has provided consistent coverage, including on-air interviews, feature segments, and promotional ad spots for rugby events such as the 2023 Rugby World Cup.[45][46] This collaboration has helped introduce professional rugby to broader Seattle audiences via NBC affiliate programming. For live game broadcasts, the Seawolves renewed their partnership with FOX 13 (KCPQ-TV) for the 2025 season, airing all 16 matches live on FOX 13, FOX 13+ (KZJO), and select games on Antenna TV, covering the Pacific Northwest region.[47] Local sports radio stations, including Seattle Sports 710 (formerly 710 ESPN Seattle), have offered commentary and analysis on Seawolves games and team developments since 2018, contributing to live match discussions and post-game recaps within the station's regional sports slate.[48] Complementing this, the team maintains collaborations with the Seattle Times for in-depth reporting and cross-promotions in the shared Seattle sports market.[49][50] In the digital space, the Seawolves expanded partnerships with iHeartRadio starting in 2023, featuring dedicated post-game analysis shows and rugby content on podcasts like PNW Showdown, which includes Seawolves-specific episodes alongside coverage of other local teams.[51] These efforts supplement national streaming options by emphasizing grassroots accessibility in the Pacific Northwest.Sponsorship and kits
Kit suppliers and designs
The Seattle Seawolves' kits have evolved significantly since the team's inception in Major League Rugby (MLR) in 2018, reflecting the club's Pacific Northwest identity through nautical and natural themes while adhering to performance standards set by World Rugby. The primary color scheme consists of navy blue, teal green, white, and gray, often incorporating the team's wolf emblem on the chest.[52][53] From 2018 to 2019, XBlades served as the official kit supplier, providing the inaugural home kits with a distinctive hooped design in navy blue and teal green, symbolizing the team's aggressive, pack-like spirit. The 2019 away kit introduced a blue base with green geometric patterns and a sublimated Seattle skyline silhouette, marking an early emphasis on local iconography. These designs prioritized moisture-wicking fabrics compliant with World Rugby's equipment regulations for player safety and durability.[54][55] Paladin Sports took over as supplier from 2020 through 2023, enabling more dynamic annual updates that shifted away from traditional hoops toward thematic patterns. The 2021 home kit retained blue-and-lime green hoops for continuity, while the 2022 home featured a navy base with neon blue sonar waves evoking underwater hunts, and the away was white with sublimated orca fin motifs and green shoulder waves. By 2023, the home kit adopted a black-and-white orca-inspired design with green dorsal fin accents on shorts, further embedding marine elements central to Seattle's heritage. These Paladin kits incorporated advanced ventilation and fit adjustments to meet World Rugby's performance guidelines.[56][57][58] In 2024, Kappa became the MLR-wide supplier, introducing bolder regional motifs for the Seawolves: the home kit in black with sonic wave patterns and orca teeth accents on the collar and sleeves, and the away featuring a majestic Mount Rainier graphic across the front. An alternate city kit that year incorporated indigenous Northwest Coast art, including orca (Maxinuxw) elements and patterns honoring local tribes, designed in collaboration with Kwakwaka'wakw artist John Lyall to celebrate cultural unity.[59][60][61] The 2025 kits, supplied by Macron as the new official MLR partner, return to a bolder navy blue palette with the home jersey showcasing Cascade and Olympic mountain patterns for resilience, and the away featuring wave designs nodding to Puget Sound's maritime history. These Macron kits utilize eco-fabric made from 100% recycled post-consumer polyester, aligning with World Rugby's sustainability initiatives by reducing environmental impact through recycled materials and ethical production. Kits across eras display principal sponsor logos, such as Filson, on the front chest for visibility during matches.[62][63]Principal sponsors
The Seattle Seawolves' principal sponsors provide essential financial backing, operational support, and visibility through kit placements, contributing to the team's growth and community initiatives in Major League Rugby. WaFd Bank serves as the front-of-shirt partner, a role it has held since 2021 and extended through the 2025 season, prominently featuring the bank's logo on the team's jerseys. This partnership includes community outreach programs, such as the launch of a Seawolves-themed debit card that offers fee-free checking accounts to promote local financial inclusion and team loyalty among fans.[64][65] In the technology sector, BlockDAG joined as an official sponsor in 2025, extending through the 2026 MLR season, acting as the team's blockchain partner to enhance digital training tools and fan app development. This collaboration aligns with the Seawolves' emphasis on innovation and community building in the Pacific Northwest.[66] Local partners bolster logistics and health services, including Brotherton Automotive as the official car partner since at least 2024, facilitating team travel and maintenance needs, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health for medical support and wellness programs that benefit players and outreach efforts.[67]Personnel
Coaching staff
The Seattle Seawolves' current head coach is Allen Clarke, who was appointed to the role on a permanent basis in May 2021 after joining the team as a technical coach earlier that season.[68] A former Ireland international hooker with eight caps between 1996 and 1998, Clarke played professionally for Northampton Saints—where he made over 100 appearances—and Ulster, contributing to Ulster's 1999 Heineken European Cup victory.[69] His coaching career spans more than two decades, beginning with Ulster in 2001 as Director of Elite Player Development and later serving as forwards coach until 2017; he then moved to the Ospreys as forwards coach and interim head coach in 2018.[68] Clarke's Major League Rugby experience prior to Seattle included a stint as head coach of the Dallas Jackals in 2020, though the team's debut was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[69] In addition to head coach, Clarke serves as Director of Rugby, overseeing strategic player development and recruitment for the Seawolves.[70] The assistant coaching staff supports Clarke in specialized areas, with a focus on tactical preparation and player growth. Ian Watson joined as assistant coach in November 2024, tasked with coaching the backs and leading defensive strategies; a Wales rugby league international with over 20 professional playing years at clubs like Salford Red Devils and Leigh Centurions, Watson brings extensive coaching expertise from leading Salford to the 2019 Super League Grand Final and the 2020 Challenge Cup Final, as well as stints at Huddersfield Giants.[71] Valenese Malifa served as an assistant coach from 2022 to 2025, primarily handling skills development and serving as pathway manager to nurture emerging talent through youth and academy programs.[72][73] A former USA Eagles fly-half with international experience, Malifa transitioned to coaching after a playing career that included stints in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship and Major League Rugby. Previous head coaches laid the foundation for the Seawolves' early success in Major League Rugby. Phil Mack served as head coach in 2018, guiding the team to its inaugural MLR championship victory over the Glendale Raptors in the final; a Canadian international scrum-half, Mack combined the role with playing duties before transitioning to a player-coach position.[74] Anton Moolman took over for the 2019 season, leading the Seawolves to a second consecutive championship against the San Diego Legion; the South African coach had prior experience with the Blue Bulls in South Africa.[75] Kees Lensing was appointed head coach ahead of the 2020 season, bringing expertise from his playing career with Argentina and clubs like Saracens, though the campaign was abbreviated due to the pandemic.[76]Current roster
The Seattle Seawolves' 2025 roster consists of 36 players, strategically assembled to balance international expertise with domestic development while adhering to Major League Rugby's regulations, which permit up to 12 international players per team matchday squad.[77][78] This composition supports the team's competitive aims under the guidance of head coach Allen Clarke and his staff. The forward pack emphasizes power and set-piece strength, featuring back row players like the South African Riekert Hattingh (No. 8), who contributes leadership and lineout prowess as a developmental USA Eagles squad member.[79] Props such as Australian international Cameron Orr and South African Njabulo Gumede provide scrummaging stability, with Orr bringing experience from Australia's U20 setup.[79] The back row includes versatile flankers and No. 8s like Charles Elton from New Zealand. In the backs, scrum-half JP Smith, a South African veteran with over 100 Major League Rugby appearances, anchors the halfback pairing with his distribution skills and game management.[77][80] Fly-halves like South African Eddie Fouché offer tactical kicking and playmaking from the No. 10 jersey.[79] Centers feature academy promotion Calvin Liulamaga, a local USA talent from Washington state who joined as a first-round 2025 MLR Draft pick and brings dynamic running lines.[81][82] The back three is bolstered by fullback Divan Rossouw from Namibia, known for his try-scoring ability and defensive solidity.[77] Key 2025 draft additions include developmental tighthead prop Mason Pedersen, a USA Falcons representative enhancing front-row depth.[79] The full squad is detailed below, categorized by position with nationalities noted (I for international slots, D-US/D-CA for domestic USA/Canada, P-US for USA pathway).Forwards
| Position | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Prop (LH/TH) | Dewald Donald | RSA (I) |
| Prop (LH/TH) | Cameron Orr | AUS (I) |
| Prop (LH/TH) | Chance Wenglewski | USA (D-US) |
| Prop (LH/TH) | Njabulo Gumede | RSA (I) |
| Prop (LH/TH) | Mason Pedersen | USA (D-US) |
| Prop (LH/TH) | Juan Pablo Zeiss | ARG (I) |
| Hooker | Dewald Kotze | RSA/CAN (D-CA) |
| Hooker | Jesse Mackail | NZL/CAN (D-CA) |
| Hooker | Kerron van Vuuren | RSA (I) |
| Lock | Rhyno Herbst | RSA (P-US) |
| Lock | Taylor Krumrei | USA (D-US) |
| Lock | Isaia Lotawa | USA (D-US) |
| Lock | Siaosi Mahoni | USA (D-US) |
| Lock | Malembe Mpofu | RSA (I) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Charles Elton | NZL (I) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Pagopagohokma Haini | ASM/USA (D-US) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Devin Short | USA (D-US) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Huw Taylor | ENG (I) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Riekert Hattingh | RSA (D-US) |
| Back Row (FL/N8) | Olajuwon Noa | NZL/Samoa (I) |
Backs
| Position | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| Scrum-Half | Brock Gallagher | CAN (D-CA) |
| Scrum-Half | Rhys Jones | USA (D-US) |
| Scrum-Half | JP Smith | RSA (D-US) |
| Fly-Half | Eddie Fouché | RSA (I) |
| Fly-Half | Rodney Iona | AUS/Samoa (I) |
| Center | David Busby | NIR (D-US) |
| Center | Dan Kriel | RSA (I) |
| Center | Mikaele Kruse | USA (D-US) |
| Center | Calvin Liulamaga | USA (D-US) |
| Wing | Malacchi Esdale | USA (D-US) |
| Wing | Lauina Futi | ASM/USA (D-US) |
| Wing | Toni Pulu | TON/NZL/USA (D-US) |
| Wing | Jeremiah Sio | USA (D-US) |
| Wing | Jade Stighling | RSA (I) |
| Fullback | Duncan Matthews | RSA (I) |
| Fullback | Divan Rossouw | NAM (I) |
Records and honors
Team achievements
The Seattle Seawolves have secured two Major League Rugby (MLR) Championships, establishing them as the league's first back-to-back winners. In the inaugural 2018 season, they defeated the Glendale Raptors 23–19 in the championship final held at Torero Stadium in San Diego.[83] The following year, on June 16, 2019, the Seawolves repeated as champions with a dramatic 26–23 victory over the San Diego Legion in the final, also at Torero Stadium, overcoming a late deficit to claim the title.[84] The franchise has advanced to four conference finals, showcasing consistent postseason contention. These appearances include the Western Conference finals in 2018 and 2019, the Western Conference final in 2022, and the Western Conference final in 2024, where they earned a berth in the MLR Championship but fell short of a third title.[85][86][87] In regular season play, the Seawolves achieved a strong record of 11–1–4 in 2019 and 12–0–4 in 2023, securing second place in the Western Conference in both years and home-field advantage through the playoffs. Conversely, their worst performance came in 2021 with a 4–12 mark, missing the postseason for the only time in their full-season history.[88][89] During the 2018 season, the Seawolves maintained an undefeated home record at Starfire Stadium in the regular season, which fueled their championship run.[90]Individual awards
The Seattle Seawolves have seen numerous players earn individual accolades in Major League Rugby since the league's inception in 2018, highlighting standout performances that contributed to the team's early dominance, including back-to-back championships.[91] In the inaugural 2018 season, loosehead prop Vili Toluta'u was named MVP of the MLR Championship Final after scoring a try and making key contributions in the Seawolves' 23-19 victory over the Glendale Raptors. The following year, the team dominated individual honors: lock Brad Tucker earned Player of the Year honors for his league-leading tackle completion rate (96%) and impactful carries totaling over 1,000 meters, while scrum-half JP Smith was awarded MVP of the 2019 MLR Championship Final for his decisive playmaking in the 26-23 win against the San Diego Legion.[91] Additionally, five Seawolves made the All-MLR teams that season, with Tucker, flanker Nakai Penny, and number eight Riekert Hattingh selected to the First XV, and center Shalom Suniula and wing Brock Staller to the Second XV.[91] The Seawolves' tradition of excellence continued with outside center Tavite Lopeti named 2022 Rookie of the Year for his explosive debut season, featuring multiple tries and defensive contributions that helped solidify the backline.[92] Players from Seattle have amassed over 20 All-MLR team selections across the league's history, reflecting consistent individual impact; notable recent examples include prop Cameron Orr and lock Rhyno Herbst on the 2024 First XV, and center Divan Rossouw on the 2025 First XV for his try-scoring prowess and gainline dominance.[93][94] Brock Staller, a foundational winger, earned Second XV honors in 2019 and was a multiple-time team scoring leader early in the franchise's run.[91] No Seawolves head coaches have received MLR Coach of the Year recognition to date, though the franchise's early success under Tony Healy and subsequent leaders laid the groundwork for these player achievements.[95]Season statistics
The Seattle Seawolves have compiled an overall regular season record of 62 wins, 2 draws, and 45 losses through the 2025 Major League Rugby season, yielding a win percentage of .578.[96] In postseason play, the team holds a 9–4 record, including appearances in four MLR Championship finals (2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024).[96] The Seawolves' most prolific scoring regular season came in 2023, when they tallied 509 points across 16 matches.[97] The following table summarizes the Seawolves' regular season performance by year, including win-draw-loss records, point differentials, competition points earned, final conference standings, and playoff outcomes where applicable.| Year | Record (W-D-L) | Point Differential | League Points | Conference Standing | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6-0-2 | +44 | 29 | 2nd (Overall) | Champions |
| 2019 | 11-1-4 | +93 | 58 | 2nd (Western) | Champions |
| 2020 | 1-0-4 | -24 | 8 | 4th (Western) | Did not qualify |
| 2021 | 4-0-12 | -118 | 26 | 5th (Western) | Did not qualify |
| 2022 | 9-0-7 | +73 | 46 | 4th (Western) | Runners-up |
| 2023 | 12-0-4 | +161 | 59 | 2nd (Western) | Western Conference runners-up |
| 2024 | 11-0-5 | +125 | 57 | 2nd (Western) | Runners-up |
| 2025 | 8-1-7 | +38 | 49 | 4th (Western) | Western Conference semifinal |