TUKWILA, WA (August 20, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves picked three backs in the 2021 Major League Rugby Collegiate Draft, including one of the top choices out of this year’s event in inside center Tavite Lopeti.
TAVITE LOPETI
Round 1 • Pick 3
Inside Center • Saint Mary’s College
Hometown: Hayward, California
Age: 22
Height: 5’9
Weight: 210 lbs.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Lopeti’s family originally hails from Tonga. One of eight kids, the talented inside center grew up playing football and basketball. But in high school, he found rugby and played for Peninsula Green Rugby Football Club from 2013-16. Once graduated, he joined the adult club rugby scene with Life West, collecting more experience before heading to Saint Mary’s College. Lopeti was an exceptional player for the Gaels from 2017-2021, earning 2018 Rookie of the Year and 1st Team All-Conference accolades. Lopeti debuted for the USA Collegiate All-Americans in 2019 and scored a try in their win over the Canada University All-Stars. Lopeti contributed to Life West’s 2019 Club 7s title run, helping the team finish second in the nation and he earned personal dream team selection. Graduating with a BA in Sociology, Lopeti plans to eventually pursue a career in law enforcement focusing on juvenile delinquency. Lopeti becomes the fourth Saint Mary’s Gael to become a Seawolf behind Aaron Matthews, Henry Hall, and Huluholo Moungaloa. Expect to see strong running lines, hard hits, and sound decision making from Lopeti in the Seawolves backline in 2022. Watch Lopeti’s highlights here.
DARELL WILLIAMS
Round 2 • Pick 16
Wing • Life University
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Age: 23
Height: 6’0
Weight: 200 lbs.
Originally from San Francisco, California, Williams started playing rugby his junior year of high school after a friend told him to come try it – and he has loved the game ever since. His first two years of his collegiate rugby career took place at San Francisco Community College, who were in the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) competition. In 2018, he made the Pacific Coast Grizzlies regional team for NSCRO, now known as the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) and was named MVP of the tournament with a Grizzlies victory. That year Williams was invited to an All-American Camp as well. The winger pivoted to the South and joined Life University’s Men’s Club team for a season before becoming a member of their collegiate program to finish out his collegiate eligibility. He shined on the wing both offensively and defensively with his change of pace and long stride. Williams returns to the west coast to debut in Major League Rugby with Seattle in 2022 and is the first Life University alumni to play for the Seawolves. Watch his college highlights here.
ETHAN SCOTT
Round 3 • Pick 29
Scrumhalf • University of Memphis
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
Age: 22
Height: 5’10
Weight: 165 lbs.
Coming from a rugby family, Scott started playing at a young age with the White Station Spartans. He had eight years of playing experience under his belt by the time he committed to the University of Memphis in 2017. The scrumhalf spent his collegiate career with the Tigers in the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) and captained their side as he progressed with their program. Scott is eager to make the jump to Major League Rugby and build on his current platform of skills and rugby IQ in the number nine jersey. Watch Scott’s highlights here.
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