Seattle Seawolves coach Allen Clarke says he’s proud of his side for going “toe-to-toe” with the Stormers XXIII in Cape Town on Sunday.
While the Seawolves lost 45-14, Clarke praised their “character and resilience” in what was a pre-season friendly for the Major League Rugby franchise.
“For 50 minutes, we went toe-to-toe with a quality Stormers XXIII. The game provided glimpses of what we’re capable of with quality ball, and highlighted areas where we need to improve quickly,” he said.
“What’s most important is we believe in what we’re building and we progress from here. This was a physical and high tempo game that will make us better.”
Seattle started the match well. South African flyhalf David Coetzer initiated an attack that featured Namibia international Divan Rossouw and resulted in a try for Micheal Hand II.
Davy Coetzer chips it. Rufus McLean keeps it alive with the grubber. Divan Rossouw receives, breaks through, and offloads. Michael Hand II finishes it.
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— Seattle Seawolves Rugby (@SeawolvesRugby) March 23, 2026
… However, the Stormers XXIII hit back to lead 17-7 at half-time and while South African scrumhalf André Warner scored for the Seawolves to close the gap, the hosts pulled away as their superior fitness and match sharpness told against a side still in pre-season training.
MORE: Seawolves look to elevate rugby in America
The Seawolves side featured several other Saffas.
Captain Riekert Hattingh, who joined the franchise ahead of the inaugural season in 2018, has 80 caps and is their all-time leading try-scorer with 48.
The imposing No 8 led the Seawolves to back-to-back MLR titles in 2018 and 2019, and final appearances in 2022 and 2024.
A naturalised American, he made his debut for the USA Eagles against England in 2021.
“Growing up as a keen golfer, the USA fascinated me. I was always keen to play there one day. Turned out to be rugby, though,” the 32-year-old recalled last week.
“Building teams up from scratch in a new country and creating a team as a business is exciting for my entrepreneurial spirit.
“It’s been hard with many challenges but somehow we’ve made it happen and won two league titles in the process.”
Love this sport.
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— Seattle Seawolves Rugby (@SeawolvesRugby) March 24, 2026
For former Junior Springbok centre Dan Kriel and towering forward Marno Redelinghuys, the outing to the Stormers High Performance Centre last Friday felt like a homecoming as both previously played for Western Province.
“It’s incredible being back,” enthused Kriel. “Our coaches and investors love the brand of rugby the Stormers play, but moreover the people, the scenery, the weather has all been pretty special, particularly for some of the Americans who have never travelled outside the States.”
ALSO: Naas explains family move to USA
While the USA offers Redelinghuys wider opportunities, he is not depending solely on rugby to provide for his future.
“Rugby has a time limit and injuries make the future unpredictable. For that reason I’ve been grateful for the chance to study in the States and completed a postgrad degree in psychology,” he said.
Redelinghuys is in the process of applying for his Green Card and hopes to be in contention for a place in the USA squad for the 2027 World Cup, along with a number of other South Africans.
ALSO: USA Eagles opportunity excites Saffa
Photo:Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
The post Saffas play starring role for Seawolves appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Seattle Seawolves coach Allen Clarke says he’s proud of his side for going “toe-to-toe” with the Stormers XXIII in Cape Town on Sunday.
The post Saffas play starring role for Seawolves appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
