Saint Mary’s Gaels scrumhalf Karl Keane has signed with the Seattle Seawolves. The 21-year-old has committed his long-term future to the club with a three-year deal through the 2025 Major League Rugby season. Though eligible for the 2022 Collegiate Draft, Keane was granted an exemption under the league’s Homegrown Player Policy.
Keane is originally from Dublin, Ireland, but moved to Seattle at the age of 10. Qualifying on residency, he has represented the USA at every age grade level from u16 to u23. He has also achieved USA Falcons, or Senior ‘A’, selection in each of the past two years, and helped the Gaels reach the national Division 1A final opposite West Point earlier this year.
The Seawolves have now confirmed three scrumhalves for the 2023 season, with JP Smith and Reid Watkins both returning. Keane shares similarities to Smith in both size and skills, with the young scrumhalf also a capable left-footed kicker both from hand and off the tee.