TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (January 3, 2022) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed USA 7s and 15s Eagle Martin Iosefo through 2023. The 2x Team USA Olympian will debut and compete in Major League Rugby (MLR) in 2022.
“As a Club we are thrilled to announce the two-year signing of Martin; he’s a great team man who brings a wealth of international experience from both the USA National 15s and 7s programs,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke. “Renowned for his physical presence and athleticism as well as his aggressive defense and try scoring, he adds real quality to our outside backs. We’re delighted to welcome Martin and his wife, Danielle, to the Seawolves family.”
Originally from Vaiusu, Samoa, Iosefo grew up in Hawaii where he began playing rugby. He graduated from Leilehua High School and tried to walk onto the University of Montana’s Football team. But when football didn’t work out, he pivoted back to rugby and played competitively for the University of Montana Jesters – the University’s club side. Iosefo eventually caught the attention of the Men’s Collegiate All-American program for both 7s and 15s, playing in the 2014 Serevi RugbyTown Sevens tournament after a successful Club 7s season with the Chicago Lions. Iosefo debuted for the US 7s program that Fall in Dubai on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit, kicking off an impressive seven-year career on the World Series and Olympic stage. Through 2021, Iosefo appeared in 50 tournaments for the USA, earned three MVP Dream Team tournament selections, played in the 2018 7s Rugby World Cup, helped the US earn its best-ever finish in second place on the 2019 World Sevens Series circuit, and competed for Team USA in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics. Iosefo also represented the US in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Although he has officially retired for international sevens, Iosefo plans to make a push for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, as well as MLR shields, with the Seawolves. The 6’2, 235 lb. inside and outside center option is known globally for his electric footwork, tackle consistency, ability to finish, and physicality on both sides of the ball. You can view Iosefo’s highlights here.
“I am looking forward to joining the two-time back to back MLR champions and am excited to contribute to the hunt for the next championship Shield,” said Iosefo. “I chose Seawolves to not only to be close to home but most importantly the family-oriented environment and culture to win.”
The Seawolves are set to face two Canadian teams in January as part of their preseason preparations, facing UBCOB Ravens on January 22 and Rugby Canada’s West Selects on January 28. Regular season will begin February 6 as Seattle welcomes the Toronto Arrows to Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. 2022 season and half-season memberships, as well as group and single-match tickets, are on sale now and can be purchased here.
The post 2x Olympian and Eagle #500 Iosefo Joins Seawolves through 2023 appeared first on Seattle Seawolves Rugby.
