Experienced Head Coach Joins Defending Champions Seawolves as part of “Powered by Atavus” Relationship with Leader in Coaching Consultancies

SEATTLE, October 4, 2018 – Atavus, the leader in coaching consultation and player performance analysis, announced today that it has hired Anton Moolman as head coach for the Seattle Seawolves . Moolman, previously the Director of Rugby for the Western Province Rugby Academy in South Africa, joins the team ahead of training camp opening in November for the 2019 Major League Rugby season.



“Seawolves are engaging the entire rugby community in the Pacific Northwest, creating player pathways and high-performance structures to develop both current and future athletes. Anton’s proven experience and his track record of developing multiple International Springboks fits with our long-term approach,” said Adrian Balfour, co-owner of the Seattle Seawolves. “We look forward to Anton joining the strengthened Seawolves family for the 2019 MLR season.”

The arrival of the 48-year-old Moolman is the latest move in Atavus’ agreement with the Seawolves that provides the MLR club with coaching consultation, training, logistics, executive resources, and strategic support. As well as his dedicated coaching role at the Seawolves, Moolman will also provide input into Atavus’ continuing efforts to educate and provide effective resources for coaches across the country.

Prior to leading the Academy at Western Province, Moolman coached Western Province U21, Vodacom Cup, and Hamilton SP RFC in Cape Town to championship titles in their respective divisions. He has additional coaching experience at club and international levels in South Africa and has had a direct role in the development of several Springboks and provincial stars. As a professional player, Moolman made more than 50 appearances as a midfielder with the Boland Kavaliers under former Springbok coach Nick Mallet.

“Anton Moolman brings decades of experience to his role as head coach of the Seawolves,” said Wil Snape, Vice President of rugby operations at Atavus. “At Atavus, our goal is to provide elite coaching for our partners, and Anton is the latest example of delivering on that promise. We are excited to see his impact on the field, as well as his work in talent identification that creates pathways for the next generation of MLR professionals.”

“As an organization, the Seawolves are committed to building the premier rugby club in the league,” said Shane Skinner, co-owner of the Seattle Seawolves. “Anton is the ideal choice to further that goal and maintain the momentum of last year’s championship season. We are firmly focused on becoming the best both on and off the field, and appreciate the role of Atavus in helping us achieve that goal.”

The Seawolves are one of many rugby organizations who have adopted the “Powered by Atavus” focus on comprehensive training programs for players and mentorship for coaches. Organizations looking to improve the level of player performance, coaching support, and club logistics should contact Atavus at (206) 695-2605.

Only 300 Seattle Seawolves season tickets for the 2019 season remain. Join Coach Moolman and the Seawolves for eight home matches at Starfire Stadium when the hunt for another Major League Rugby Championship begins in January! Lock in your season tickets here.