Jan 12, 2025 – edited by Louissa Friend (Rugby Americas)
As the newest version of the Seattle Seawolves prepare for their 2025 campaign, Celtic Barbarians Director, Cam Wilton is following with special attention this year. For this Seawolves roster bears the fruit of five players with quite different pathways through the CBs program.
Jeremiah Sio and Mika Kruse finished their junior careers together in the Dubai Emirates 7s for Cam’s North American All-Stars under the watchful eye of coach Waisale Serevi. “This Mika kid does things that nobody else in this tourney can do!”, beamed the excited King of 7s. It was obvious there were great things in store for the lads and they were unlucky not to win the Dubai 7s Trophy. It wasn’t long before we were huddled around the TV while on tour in Alaska, watching Mika earn his first cap for the USA Eagles vs England. Kruse’s selection made him the first Celtic Barbarian to earn a cap for the USA Eagles.
Following his impressive Dubai 7s performance, Jeremiah Sio soon entered the Seawolves Development Program and eventually earned his way to the big leagues, debuting in 2023. His experience on both sides of the field in American football became evident as a former safety and running-back. This winger tackles like a flanker and has no problem dropping his shoulder into his opposition. Sio’s electric style and fantastic hair make him an obvious fan favorite at every tourney!
Motherlode RFC in El Dorado Hills, CA has a long relationship with the Celtic Barbarians and was instrumental in the club’s creation in 2008. Coach and rugby-superdad, Steve Jones worked with the CBs spanning a decade while all 4 of his sons graced podiums with various CB teams. Rhys Jones, the oldest of the Jones boys, is enjoying his second MLR season after a successful playing career at Central Washington University. His rugby nouse and versatility allows Rhys to inject himself into a variety of positions when called upon. Three younger brothers are hot on his heels to keep the Jones family racking up the airmiles!
Seawolves newcomers Brock Gallagher and Dewald Kotze were happy to land together and close to home (Alberta) after playing for the Dallas Jackels last season. Their pathways have been remarkably similar as they both played for coach Wilton at the prairie junior powerhouse Strathcona Druids RFC. After touring and enjoying success with the CBs in major tourneys, both players began their journey with the Rugby Canada U19s and U20s. “It is very satisfying to see these lads persevere while chasing their dreams of professional and international rugby”, said a proud Wilton. “I will have to check the MLR roster archives, but I believe the Seawolves have been home to more Celtic Barbarians than any other pro team.”
The Celtic Barbarians combined with their American Hawkeyes Academy are the largest and most active invitational rugby program in North America with 68 tours completed globally.
Past Seawolves include CB players Reid Watkins, and Rugbytown 7s teammates Nick Taylor and Darell Williams
