Shepherd has gained international experience competing in the United Kingdom, Kenya, South America and New Zealand.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 30, 2017

SEATTLE – The Seattle Seawolves have announced the signing of University of Utah graduate and four times Collegiate All-American, Mike Shepherd.



“Mike comes to us with an abundance of domestic and international experience,” said Head Coach Tony Healy. “We are counting on the power and stability we know he will bring to our forward pack, as well as the leadership that he can provide up front.”



Shepherd was born in Brownsburg, Indiana and first discovered the sport while playing for Brownsburg Rugby Football Club where he was honored as a 1st team All-state selection for the state of Indiana. His first foray into international rugby came in 2007 when he was selected for USA’s U-18 National Team that competed across the pond in England. He continued to represent his country with the USA U-20 National team from 2007 to 2009 as he competed in Ireland, the 2008 Junior World Cup in Wales, and the 2009 Junior World Trophy Tournament in Kenya. Following his youth rugby career, Shepherd was selected as a Midwest Collegiate All-star and Collegiate All-American in 2009 and 2010 while serving as Co-Captain at Indiana University. After transferring to the University of Utah to play with the Utes where he again served as Co-Captain, he competed for the Collegiate All-Americans in 2012 and 2013 and found more international playtime in Ireland and New Zealand. Post-collegiate rugby, Shepherd continued to build his rugby resume by competing with the 2015 USA Rugby Select XVs against the likes of Argentina and Uruguay in their tour of South America. Most recently, Shepherd has played an integral part in the success of the Washington Athletic Club 7s and the Seattle Saracens.



“Competing professionally for Seattle is an honor and a dream come true,” said Shepherd. “Since graduating, Seattle has become my home and I am proud to represent the great Northwest in the inaugural season of Major League Rugby."

The Seattle Seawolves inaugural season kicks off on April 22 against the San Diego Legion at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. Tickets are available now by visiting www.SeattleSeawolves.com.



ABOUT THE SEATTLE SEAWOLVES



A founding member of Major League Rugby (MLR), the Seattle Seawolves kick off their inaugural season in 2018 at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Washington. With an ownership group led by Seattle-based entrepreneurs Adrian Balfour and Shane Skinner, the organization strives to develop, cultivate and expand the game of rugby in the U.S. while fostering discipline, duty, respect and a spirit of inclusion both on and off the pitch. Through community outreach efforts, the Seattle Seawolves fulfill a key pillar of the franchise’s philosophy, enriching the Puget Sound region’s youth through engagement, leadership, and service.

Select Major League Rugby games will be televised on the CBS Sports Network as part of an exclusive, multi-year television partnership between MLR and the television network. Season tickets are now on sale; to purchase, please visit www.SeattleSeawolves.com.



Media Contact:



Will Lytle, Media Relations Coordinator

Seattle Seawolves

Will@SeattleSeawolves.com