Back row Tiai Vavao played in Major League Rugby during the 2026 season. He represented the Seattle Seawolves for his entire MLR career.

A Seattle native of Samoan heritage, Tiai Vavao grew up in Washington State as a fan of football and wrestling, but in a rugby household. Although familiar with the game that his father had played back in Samoa, Tiai Vavao only started playing the game himself during high school. He excelled and quickly earned a spot on the USA U18s tour to Canada before being contacted about a spot at Central Washington University (CWU) by then-head coach Todd Thornley (now in the California Legion set-up). Vavao enrolled at CWU and played rugby with the Wildcats during his time there while also progressing through the USA age-grade sides, playing with the Falcons, the U20s, and most recently the U23s in 2025.

Following his graduation from CWU, Tiai Vavao declared for the 2025 MLR Collegiate Draft, and was selected in the 1st Round, 3rd Overall, by his hometown team, the Seattle Seawolves. He signed an MLR contract and was included on the Seawolves’ full 2026 roster when the team announced it on 2nd March, 2026.

Achievements

• 2025 MLR Draftee: 3rd Overall (Seattle Seawolves)

NARDB Player #1,658