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Seattle have made a significant statement of intent with the addition of former Wallabies center Tevita Kuridrani on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old played 61 tests for Australia 2013 and 2019 including two World Cups. He had previously represented his home country of Fiji at u20 level.
It ends a long period of uncertainty over Kuridrani’s career. After nine years with the Brumbies he joined the Western Force in 2021 and then spent a season in France with Biarritz. At the conclusion of the 2021-2022 campaign, however, Kuridrani returned home to Fiji and has not played professionally since.
With Dan Kriel and Tavite Lopeti both contracted and expected to return, the Seawolves have a formidable trio of midfielders to unleash in 2024. Kuridrani is a specialist outside center, while Kriel is most effective in the No12 shirt. Lopeti has shown the ability to play both spots.
Meanwhile the club has also announced a formal partnership with Japanese club Urayasu D-Rocks. Details have yet to be confirmed but the agreement could see scrumhalf Karl Keane returning to the Seawolves at the conclusion of the League One season in May. Former Japan winger Akihito Yamada has played for both clubs, spending part of the 2021 Major League Rugby season in Seattle.
