February 15, 2022 (TUKWILA, WASHINGTON) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed former Houston SaberCart and Rugby New York hooker Mike Brown through 2022. The front row addition has made immediate contributions, suiting up for the Seawolves in Seattle’s preseason win over the Hartford Harpooners and Major League Rugby 2022 regular season matches in Week 1 and 2.
“Mike is an experienced addition to our front row department having played hooker for Austin, New York, and Houston,” said Seawolves head coach and director of rugby Allen Clarke. “He’s passionate, his positional basics are sound, and he has good, collective understanding of the game. We’re delighted to welcome Mike and his wife, Arielle, to the Seawolves family for MLR 2022.”
Originally from Clarkston, Michigan, the 30-year-old has been playing rugby since he was a teenager after discovering the game from a move to South Africa. Upon his return to the US, he continued to chase the oval ball with the Birmingham Buccaneers. Brown caught the attention of the US age-grade coaches and attended a U18’s camp in 2009. The front rower attended Bowling Green University, playing for their successful club side that competed in national championship tournament each year he was there. Brown earned all-conference selections as well as named an honorable mention for the Collegiate All-Americans. Upon graduating, Brown spent time in the United Kingdom with the Glasgow Hawks of the Scottish Premiership. He brought his international experience back to the States, suiting up for Old Blue of New York for three seasons in the American Rugby Premiership competition. Brown joined Rugby New York in 2018 as the Club prepared for its MLR entrance in 2019. After the shortened 2020 season, Brown made a move to Houston to join the SaberCats. While in Texas, he helped coach the Dallas Jesuit High School boys high school team to a Texas State Championship. The 6’0, 225 lbs. hooker brings a well-rounded skill set and rugby IQ to the forward pack of his newest MLR Club.
“I am super excited to be joining the Seawolves,” said Brown. “I have tremendous respect for the coaching staff and the players who are here. As a player who has played against the Seawolves, I know playing in Seattle has always been challenging. The fans are super passionate and love their rugby. I am hoping I can continue to grow the game of rugby from the grassroots level as well competing for the MLR shield.”
The Seawolves are off to a franchise-best 2-0 start, traveling to San Diego in Week 3. Seattle will face the San Diego Legion (2-0) on Sunday, February 20 at the San Diego State University Sports Deck. Kickoff is at 2:00 PM PST. Fans tuning in within the United States can watch on ROOT SPORTS and The Rugby Network. International fans can tune in on The Rugby Network. 2022 half-season memberships, as well as group and single-match tickets, are on sale and can be purchased here.
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