Seawolves Snag Former RUNY Center Juan Pablo Aguirre Romero

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (January 5, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed Juan Pablo “Juampi” Aguirre Romero for the 2021 Major League Rugby season. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina Aguirre joins the Seawolves after Major League Rugby (MLR) seasons with Austin (2019) and Rugby United New York (2020).

Aguirre’s rugby career began at the age of 12 with Club Champagnat in Buenos Aries, where he developed over the years into provincial
rugby representation for their U-18s. Continued performance earned him center selection to the Argentinian U-20 team, Los Pumitas, representing Argentina
in the 2013 Junior Rugby World Cup.

Aguirre moved to the states for University, where he attended University of Lindenwood-Belleville briefly before moving to the main campus’ varsity program
in Missouri at Lindenwood University. He was a key member in the team’s 2018 Collegiate 7s National Championship and named to the Collegiate Rugby
Championships’ Dream Team.

His time at the collegiate powerhouse program helped prepare him for his next steps toward professional rugby. With a strong showing at the 2018 World
Rugby Americas Combine in Glendale, Colorado Aguirre signed with Austin for the 2019 MLR season. Aguirre was set to add an impact to New York’s backline
throughout the 2020 season before it was cancelled. Aguirre debuted on the World Tens Series circuit in Bermuda in October of 2020 with the London
Royals, alongside fellow re-signed Seawolves Ross Neal , Stephan Coetzee,
and Andrew Durutalo.

The US-eligible center is excited about the opportunity to continue to showcase his skills in a new part of the country: The Pacific Northwest. “Seattle expectations have always been high,” said Aguirre. “Knowing that the team has defended the shield they earned the past two seasons motivates me a lot and I am looking forward to meeting those expectations.”

Aguirre brings a dangerous step, sharp kicking ability, and consistency in defense to the Seawolves’ backline. Check out his highlights from his first MLR season  here. The 2021 season is set to kick off March 20, 2021 with the Seawolves on the road to Austin. 2021 season ticket memberships are on sale and can be purchased here.