Local Scrumhalf Keane Returns Home to Begin Professional Career with Seawolves

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON – The Seattle Seawolves have signed former Saint Mary’s Gael and Pacific Northwest product, Karl Keane, for the 2023 season and beyond. Born in Ireland, Keane played for Dublin’s Malahide Rugby Club before moving to Washington. The promising young scrumhalf learned the game further with Rugby Washington’s Eastside Lions and Washington Loggers before committing to one of the top US collegiate programs at Saint Mary’s College.

Keane has been a member USA pathway since his teenage years, beginning with the High School All-Americans, Collegiate All-Americans, and most recently represented the US for the senior Falcons XVs side in South America. A member of the Seawolves training squad in 2021, Keane returns to Starfire Stadium 2023 as part of the senior roster.

“We’re delighted to announce Karl on a three-year contract. He possesses the positional skills, game understanding and attitude to become a top-class USA player and adds quality competition to the squad at scrumhalf,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke.

“Karl’s path to the professional game and international honors to date are a tremendous reflection of the development he’s experienced with the Eastside Lions, Washington Loggers and more recently St Marys College California. He’s a great role model for other young men in the PNW with similar ambitions to play professional rugby.”

“We look forward to welcoming one of our own to the Seawolves family and to his progression over the next three seasons.”

“I’m extremely excited to start my professional career with the Seawolves,” said Keane. “Through my time training with the squad, it was clear to me that this was a Club I wanted to be a part of. The Seawolves have a great history within MLR, and I look forward to working hard in order to meet the standards that have been set by my teammates and coaches.”

The 2023 Seawolves Rugby season is set to kick off in January 2023 with preseason matches before the MLR regular season begins. Fans can purchase 2023 full and half season memberships here.

KARL KEANE
POSITION: Scrumhalf
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’0”
WEIGHT: 180 lbs.
HOMETOWN: Seattle, WA
COLLEGE: Saint Mary’s College of California