TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (January 18, 2022) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed Oregon-product and center Lopeti Aisea through 2022. The young back was scouted at the Seawolves Talent ID Camp in August 2021 and becomes the first homegrown Oregon player to sign for the Pacific Northwest Major League Rugby (MLR) Club.

“We’re delighted to announce Lopeti to our roster for MLR 2022,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke. “He is a tremendous example to all aspiring young players having been identified at our first talent identification camp back in August and reflects everything we stand for as a Club with a mission to develop local talent. I’m sure his coaches at Lincoln High School, Beaverton Barbarians, Oregon RedHawks, and Eastside Tsunami are extremely proud and share in his achievement. We welcome his wife, Akanesi, and daughters Lineni, Luana, and Mele, to our Seawolves family.”

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Aisea started playing rugby as a freshman at Lincoln High School. He then played his junior and senior seasons for the Beaverton Barbarians and helped them win an Oregon state title in 2015. Aisea played for the Rugby Oregon Redhawks all four years of high school, competing regionally against other state select-sides. Strong performances with the Redhawks caught the eye of the U17 USA age-grade coaches and he was to tour to England with the US. After high school, he continued to play rugby in his home state for a local amateur club team, the Eastside Tsunami. Aisea attended the Seattle Seawolves’ Talent ID Camp in August where he peaked both head coach Allen Clarke and general manager Pate Tuilevuka’s interest. He then competed at the USA National Rugby 7s Championship with Oregon Rugby Sports Union (ORSU) in the Silver Cup bracket at Starfire Stadium, giving the Seawolves coaching staff yet another platform to watch Aisea. The 6’0, 230 lb. center-wing option will thrive in the professional environment, building off his already strong field vision and well-rounded skillset as he prepares to make his MLR debut with Seattle.

“I’m just grateful for this opportunity to play quality rugby with the Seawolves and other players from all over the world,” said Aisea.

The Seawolves are set to face Seattle Rugby Club on January 22 and the Hartford Harpooners on January 28 as their two preseason matches. Regular season play will begin February 6 as Seattle welcomes the Toronto Arrows to Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. 2022 season and half-season memberships, as well as group and single-match tickets, are on sale now and can be purchased here.

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