Team

Joe Taufete’e was born in Nuʻuuli, American Samoa and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He transitioned from American football to rugby after an ACL injury ended his football aspirations at Santa Ana College, where he had excelled as a defensive tackle. Starting his professional rugby career with the San Diego Breakers in 2016, Taufete’e quickly moved to Europe, playing for the Worcester Warriors in England and then Lyon in France’s Top 14. Known for his powerful play and versatility as a hooker and prop, Taufete’e returned to the U.S., playing for the LA Giltinis, and briefly for the Leicester Tigers before joining the Houston SaberCats. Internationally, Taufete’e has made a significant impact as captain of the USA Selects and holds the record for the most international tries by a hooker with 20 tries in 22 appearances for the Eagles. His move to the Seattle Seawolves marks the latest chapter in a distinguished career that bridges top-tier rugby across continents with a legacy of record-setting performances.