Categories: Major League RugbyRugbyRugby Union

Seawolves open MLR season with win

Photo: Yuriy Tsupruk

Seattle Seawolves 33-16 Old Glory DC

TUKWILA, WA–The Seattle Seawolves opened the 2026 Major League Rugby season with a 33–16 win over Old Glory DC at Starfire Stadium. A disciplined finish with 14 players defined the result and set the tone for the season ahead.

Both teams worked through a measured start. It was a slow build on the scoreboard as each side looked to find rhythm in the opening match of the season. Ezekiel Lindenmuth opened the scoring early to give Seattle momentum. Old Glory responded to keep the contest tight, and the match remained balanced through the middle phases.

The turning point came late. After being reduced to 14 players following a red card, Seattle raised its level. The Seawolves closed the match with a dominant final stretch, scoring two tries while down a player and holding Old Glory scoreless in the final 20 minutes.

JP Smith sealed the result with a late try, highlighting his versatility as he and fellow scrumhalf Nick Boyer both featured on the wing in a reshaped backline.

Newcomer Davy Coetzer earned Broadcast Man of the Match. He led all scorers with 17 points, adding three conversions and four penalty kicks. He also contributed 64 meters, six kicks in play, and three turnovers, controlling the tempo throughout.

Next up, the Seawolves travels to face Anthem RC on Sunday, April 12 at 1:00 PM PT.

Photos by Yuriy Tsupruk

Seattle Seawolves:
1 Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2 Sean McNulty, 3 Ignacio Péculo, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 5 Harison Mataele, 6 Marno Redelinghuys, 7 Paddy Ryan, 8 Riekert Hattingh (C), 9 André Warner, 10 Davy Coetzer, 11 JP Smith, 12 Nolan Tuamoheloa, 13 Mark Bennett, 14 Duncan Matthews, 15 Divan Rossouw.

Replacements:
16 Liki Chan-Tung, 17 Dewald Donald, 18 Mason Pedersen, 19 LaRome White, 20 Kalisi Moli, 21 Tiai Vavao, 22 Nick Boyer, 23 Dorian Jones.

Source for report: Seattle Seawolves Media