Seattle, September 28, 2017—The Seattle Seawolves, a charter team of the Major League Rugby League launching its inaugural season in 2018, today announced former Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders executive Brian Jones has been named as the team’s Chief Commercial Officer. Jones is a sports industry veteran, having previously served as Vice President of Business Development for Seattle Sounders FC and Managing Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Seattle Seahawks.



“Rugby is exploding onto the American sports scene and its popularity continues to grow worldwide. There is no better time to galvanize that base in the U.S. and further drive and build a thriving fan community. Rugby is the right sport at the right time in the right place,” said Jones.

In his role as CCO, Brian will spearhead the team’s commercial strategy and oversee marketing, sales, product development and customer service to drive business growth and market share.

“Brian is a terrific addition to our organization, which values success both on and off the field. We are determined to establish Seattle as one of the Rugby powerhouses in North America, and with Brian on board, the Seawolves will take huge strides in that direction,” said Shane Skinner, Seattle Seawolves co-founder.

Beginning in 2018, Major League Rugby (MLR) will launch as a new professional rugby competition in North America. MLR will be the premier rugby competition in the United States. By drawing on the best domestic talent MLR will create an intense, fast paced competition and a top-tier media product. MLR will introduce rugby to the American sports mainstream, provide a focal point for millions of existing fans and bring even more new supporters to the game.

About Seattle Seawolves:

The Seattle Seawolves Rugby Football Club was founded in 2017 by a Seattle-based investor group led by Adrian Balfour and Shane Skinner. As an affiliate of Major League Rugby, the Seawolves are proud to be Seattle's professional rugby team. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Brian Jones at brian.jones@consultingjones.com.

Media Contact:

Media@SeattleSeawolves.com