The Seattle Seawolves hope their visit to Cape Town will help grow the game in the USA, writes LINDIZ VAN ZILLA.
Rugby is still trying to get a foothold Stateside among the big ticket sports like American football, baseball and basketball – even though the USA will host the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
The Seawolves, who play in Major League Rugby, are in the Mother City on a two-week trip in partnership with the Stormers, gaining exposure to elite training and facilities while absorbing South Africa’s deeply embedded rugby culture.
They will also play a match against the Stormers XXIII at Cape Town Stadium on Sunday (5:15pm kick-off) after the Vodacom URC clash between the Stormers and Dragons (3pm).
READ: Strong Stormers XXIII tackle Seawolves
Seawolves manager of rugby operations and player personnel Jennie Flynn believes the experience – on and off the field – is invaluable.
“Cape Town is simply amazing. Everyone is so friendly, very helpful and welcoming,” she said. “It’s nice to come to a place where rugby is well established and loved.
“In the States, rugby is still a niche sport. People don’t know the game well yet and players aren’t recognised. Here, people stop you, ask questions and show genuine interest.”
Flynn emphasised that visibility remains key to growth.
“Rugby is growing [in America] and the more exposure it gets – through the Olympics, social media and high-profile players – the more awareness builds,” she said.
That rise in profile has been aided by figures such as USA women’s star Ilona Maher, the world’s most followed rugby player on social media, underlining the sport’s expanding reach beyond traditional markets.
ALSO: Stormers welcome back star trio
Seawolves assistant coach Stephen Brett, the former Crusaders and Blues flyhalf, has been impressed by the Seawolves environment since joining late last year.
“My first impression is that it’s a team with a very high rugby IQ,” Brett said. “A lot of these players have played plenty of rugby, which is still quite rare in America.”
He added that the Cape Town trip serves a dual purpose.
“Pre-season is about more than just rugby. It’s about building culture, strengthening connections and sharing ideas with a setup like the Stormers.”
The post Seawolves look to elevate rugby in America appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Seattle Seawolves hope their visit to Cape Town will help grow the game in the USA.
The post Seawolves look to elevate rugby in America appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
