Pacific Northwest Product Futi Set for Major League Rugby Debut

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (June 5, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves are excited to announce the signing of Seattle Rugby Club Orca and Westide Ronin Wing, Lauina Futi.

Born in America Samoa, Futi moved to Boise, Idaho and played for the Rexberg Yetis, who has ties to BYU-Idaho in 2016. The young back joined the 43rd State Crimson Lions Rugby, now Boised United Rugby, in 2017 and competed in their D2/D3 PNRFU competition. Futi moved to Seattle and joined the Orcas in 2018, playing in both DI and Premier matches alike in the BCRU. In 2019, he made his presence felt on the Club 7s circuit with the Westside Ronins and was a member of their Nationals-bound side that summer. Futi has proved himself lethal already in the club scene, as well as in training the past few weeks, with only more room to grow in the professional environment. You can watch some of Futi’s highlights here.

“Moving to Seattle and playing for the Seattle Rugby Club in 2018 taught me so much about this sport,” said Futi. “It will be a pleasure to represent the same city and rep the same colors with the Seawolves.”

The Seattle Seawolves (2-7) host the Utah Warriors (5-5) at Starfire Stadium on Sunday, June 6. Kickoff is at 5:00 PM PT and this match will be the first head coach and director of rugby Allen Clarke oversees. Viewers inside the United States can tune in on ROOT SPORTS or The Rugby Network — and The Rugby Network for those outside of the US.