TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (May 15, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves are excited to announce the signing of former Otago and New England Free Jack forward, Naulia Dawai.
From Narewa, Nadi, Fiji Dawai started playing rugby at a young age. He went to Marist Brothers High School and in 2011, he moved to New Zealand and play club rugby for Southland. Strong performances there earned him a spot on the 2013 National Provincial Championship side. Dawai stayed in New Zealand but moved on to play for Otago in 2014 where he progressed from a substitute to a consistent starter through 2015. Dawai was capped for Fiji in 2016 after being called up for the Pacific Nations Cup and one-off match with Georgia. Following an impressive showing for his country, Dawai signed a two-year deal with Connacht in Ireland and made his debut against the Wasps, scoring a last minute try to help steal the victory. The loose forward made 22 appearances across two seasons with Connacht before returning to Otago in New Zealand. Dawai was a member of the Asia Pacific Dragons side that participated in the Global Rapid Rugby ‘showcase series’ in 2019 and shifted to Major League Rugby with the New England Free Jacks for the 2020 season. Dawai made five appearances for the Free Jacks before the 2020 season was cancelled due to the global pandemic. Ready to make another splash in MLR, Dawai joins Seattle for the remainder of the 2021 season. With the ability to play flanker or number eight, Dawai brings power, pace, and an evasive step to the Seawolves’ forward pack. You can watch his highlights here.
“I’m stoked to be here,” said Dawai. “I want to thank the Lord for this blessing in my life. And I want to say a big Vinakavakalevu and thank you to Seattle for this opportunity to come play and join the Seawolves family. I’m eager to get amongst it and give my best out there.”
The Seattle Seawolves (2-5) are back on the road in week 9, heading east to take on Old Glory DC (2-4). Kickoff of the MLR Game of the Week is at 9:00 AM PT Sunday, May 16 on CBS Sports Network for viewers inside the United States and The Rugby Network for those outside of the US.
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