TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (December 6, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves confirm 2022 preseason opponents – the British Columbia Premierships’ UBCOB Ravens and Rugby Canada’s West Selects.
Preseason matches will offer a first look at head coach Allen Clarke’s ‘rebuilt’ squad, facing top Club, future Rugby Canada National Team, and Major League Rugby (MLR) athletes on January 22 and 28. Ending the 2021 MLR season on a high note with back-to-back home wins captured with thrilling play, the Seawolves look to pick up where they left off.
“Having only three weeks preparation together before the first pre-season game against the Ravens, followed shortly after by a second against Canada West Selects, sharpens the focus for when we assemble as a squad on January 3,” said Seawolves head coach and director of rugby Allen Clarke. “The matches themselves will provide a good test of our systems, our conditioning levels, and our squad depth prior to round one of the 2022 MLR season. It’s great both matches are at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila – the boys will be excited to get some valuable minutes in front of our home fans.”
vs UBCOB Ravens
Saturday, January 22 will see the 2022 return of Seawolves Rugby to Starfire Stadium as we welcome the UBCOB Ravens. Founded in 1974, the UBCOB Ravens have lifted the Rounsefell Cup (BC Championship) on 7 occasions, most recently in the 2017/18 & 2018/2019 seasons. The Ravens are also the defending Canadian Club Championships, after lifting most recent iteration in 2018, and currently hold a 1-0 record against the MLR after defeating the Houston SaberCats in 2018.
“Like many clubs, we are rebuilding after Covid with a focus on developing grassroots participation,” said newly minted UBCBO director of rugby Simon FitzGerald. “Our senior men’s team is looking to defend both the BC Premier and Premier Reserve titles in Spring of 2022, while also giving our players the opportunity to showcase their skills against the highest level in North America. Preparation for our league season begins with our game against the 2x MLR champion Seattle Seawolves before we travel to the Toronto Arrows the following week.”
“I was fortunate to be a part of the Vancouver Island Crimson Tide coaching team for a game against the Seawolves in 2018 and know they will be very physical while playing at a high tempo. On a personal note, I’m looking forward to coaching against Allen Clarke, having learnt a lot from observing his sessions at Ulster while starting out as a coach in Belfast. As an amateur club, we are incredibly grateful to our sponsors and donors who have made it possible for the Ravens to get back on tour and look to continue the on-field success of recent years. Thanks to the Seawolves for hosting us in what promises to be an exciting game.
”Pre-match on January 22 will feature the first of four ‘Run with The Pack’ youth events presented by Westfield Southcenter in 2022. New athletes and existing rugby players, ages 15 and under, are encouraged to come play rugby-skill based games on the main field alongside Seawolves players and coaches. Each RWTP registration includes a t-shirt, autograph opportunities, and a standing room only ticket to the corresponding match. Run with The Pack will start at 12:30 pm and kick off is at 3:00 pm. #SEAvUBCOB tickets can be purchased here.
vs Rugby Canada West Selects
Friday, January 28 will be Seawolves Alumni Night as the Club welcomes back multiple alumni from previous seasons, including Canada West Selects Head Coach Phil Mack. The Selects will be compromised of those who competed in this Fall’s inaugural BC Coastal Cup competition, making up a player pool of roughly 245 athletes for a 23-person roster selection.
“We are very excited to be given the opportunity to play Seattle. Coming off the back of a successful Coastal Cup, we feel it’s a well-deserved reward for the young players who were involved,” said Canada West Selects head coach and two-time MLR Champion, Phil Mack. “We are fortunate to have a large group of likeminded individuals who contributed to giving the idea life. Our goal is to provide these young athletes an opportunity to play one of the best MLR Clubs and find out how we measure up. Very much looking forward to the game – see you on January 28!”
Seattle will kick off against the West Selects at 7:00 pm Friday night. #SEAvCWS tickets can be purchased here.
Both preseason matches are included in 2022 Season Ticket Memberships and may be selected as part of a half-season membership (5 matches) here. Play-by-play tweet and score updates for fans available for preseason matches via Twitter: @SeawolvesRugby.
The post Seawolves Eager to Test Canadian Talent in Preparations for MLR 2022 appeared first on Seattle Seawolves Rugby.
