NA Rugby Database

Recap

The San Diego Legion host their rivals, the Seattle Seawolves, as both teams look to start their 2025 seasons off on the right foot. The Legion were eliminated by the Seawolves in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, while the Seawolves were defeated in the Championship game by the New England Free Jacks. Both teams will be looking to go a step further in 2025.

Returning to Torero Stadium for the first time since 2021, the San Diego Legion gave their fans something to cheer about in the first half, with 4 tries within 30 minutes to secure the Try Bonus Point, including a brace from winger Ryan James. The Legion were in complete control for the first 40, taking a half-time lead of 28-0 to the sheds. It looks like the 2nd half would continue much the same way, as Tomas Aoake added a 5th Legion try early in the 2nd frame, and McClutchie was solid from the tee to take the San Diego lead to 35-0. It took until the 55 minute mark for the Seawolves to finally wake up, scoring their first try of the season through Jesse Mackail.

For the final 25 minutes, the Seattle Seawolves looked more like the team we all know. They clawed their way to a 2nd and 3rd try to at least make the scoreline look a little better, before Conor Tupai added another try for the Legion to put the nail in the coffin. The Seawolves didn’t give up, however, and following phase after phase of pick and go, Jesse Mackail scored his 2nd of the game in the 85th minute to salvage a losing bonus point for the Seawolves. Unfortunately for Seattle, it’s tough to win games when you only play 1 half. The San Diego Legion take this chapter of MLR’s oldest rivalry in convincing fashion.