Ex-Patriots defensive lineman Tavai signs with Seattle Seawolves for 2027 MLR season

Justus Tavai, the tighthead prop who made the journey from NFL hopeful to Major League Rugby contender, has signed with the Seattle Seawolves ahead of the 2027 MLR season, the club confirmed this week.

Tavai arrives in Seattle with 16 MLR appearances to his name — 12 with the California Legion last season and four as a rookie with Rugby Football Club Los Angeles, including a maiden start against Anthem RC on 11 May 2025. His most recent campaign ended in heartbreak when the Legion fell 35-17 to an undefeated Chicago Hounds side in the Championship Final.

The 2027 move caps an unconventional athletic career. Tavai played collegiate American football at the University of Hawai’i and San Diego State before being picked up by the New England Patriots in May 2023 as a defensive lineman. He was released before the regular season began. He was not the only former Patriot at California — 2020 NFL draftee Cassh Maluia also lined up in the Legion’s midfield.

After his NFL release, Tavai pivoted to rugby, linking up with the American Raptors for the Super Rugby Americas campaign before moving through Los Angeles and California. The Seawolves, who last won the MLR title in 2019, are hoping his development trajectory continues in the Pacific Northwest.

“I’m grateful for every opportunity that’s brought me to this point, and I’m excited for this next chapter with the Seawolves,” Tavai said. “I’m looking forward to embracing the culture, building genuine relationships with my teammates, and putting in the work every day to contribute to something bigger than myself.”

Seawolves Director of Rugby and Head Coach Allen Clarke welcomed the signing with measured optimism. “Justus is a physical, hardworking tighthead with a great attitude and a real desire to improve,” Clarke said. “We see plenty of upside in his game and look forward to helping him develop into the player we believe he can be.”