Namibia’s Nortje Honored to Sign with the Seawolves

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (February 13, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed Namibian hooker Obert Nortje for the 2021 Major League Rugby (MLR) season.

Nortje, born and raised in a rugby playing country, took quickly to the game. He progressed through the club levels to make Namibia’s U20s side for the
2016 and 2017 World Rugby Trophy competitions. Namibia finished 4^th both years and the entrance to the national team’s pathway offered another
opportunity in 2017 to start playing professionally in the Currie Cup and SuperSport Challenge for Welwitchias. In the same year, he earned selection
to the Namibian national team, debuting for his country against Senegal. Nortje was selected to the Africa Cup sides for Namibia where they went on
to win in 2017 and 2018. The 2018 Africa Cup tournament also acted as the Rugby World Cup qualifier for Nortje and his home nation. Consistency in
his development and performance alike saw him into the 2019 Rugby World Cup team that heading to Tokyo, Japan. His last test match appearance was against
New Zealand on the world’s biggest stage October 6, 2019.

In 2020, Nortje had the chance to join the newest rugby league in Uruguay: Súper Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) with Peñarol. He started in their first
exhibition win against over and regular season opener loss verus Selknam. In similar fashion of the MLR’s season, SLAR’s firsr-ever was shut down in
March 2020 due to the pandemic. The young hooker brings World Cup experience to Seattle and ensures the Seawolves pack will continue to stay dynamic
with his strong ball carrying and decision-making skills.

“I’m just keen and excited to get on with the lads and get stuck in,” said Nortje. “They are the only champions of the league and it’s an honor to play
with the best in the states. I feel blessed for the opportunity.”

The 2021 MLR season is set to kick off March 20, 2021 with the Seawolves on the road to face the Houston SaberCats. TV and broadcast information will be announced soon via our official social media channels. Follow us on Facebook ,
Instagram , and Twitter
to stay up to date with all things Seattle Seawolves as we head into the season.