‘Big ceiling’: Seawolves land Australian-raised front-rower for 2026

Hawaii-born, Australian-raised hooker Liki Chan Tung is the latest addition to the Seattle Seawolves roster for the 2026 Major League Rugby season, with the 24-year-old joining the club after one season with the San Diego Legion.

Chan Tung is a former U19s representative at the Brumbies who graduated into the senior ranks in the Australian Capital Territory. The front-rower was part of the Gungahlin Eagles side that took out the John I Dent Cup, which is the premier club competition in the ACT.

The explosive front-rower debuted as a professional years later with the Legion during the 2025 MLR season, suiting up in five matches. Coach John Manenti named Chan Tung in the matchday side for the first time in a round two win over Anthem RC.

Chan Tung faced the Houston SaberCats, the Chicago Hounds, the Utah Warriors, and Seattle in five appearances off the bench. As an impact player, Chan Tung enjoyed a season-high 34-minute shift away to the Warriors in Utah.

“Liki is at an exciting stage of his development,” Seattle Head Coach Allen Clarke said in a statement.

“He plays with physicality, real effort, and courage, and he’s committed to sharpening the technical side of his game. That mindset fits our identity and gives him a big ceiling moving forward.”

“I am extremely excited to be joining the pod in 2026,” Chan Tung added.

“The Seattle Seawolves are a team with great pride and passion within USA Rugby, and I can’t wait to put my best foot forward for the team and its fans.”

Chan Tung is the latest in a long list of off-season signings for the Seawolves, who have added fresh faces to their squad and renewed key players on fresh deals. In other recent Seawolves transfer news, front-rower Dewald Donald was announced as a crucial re-signing this week.

Dewald has been an important member of the Seawolves squad since debuting for the franchise on February 7, 2020, against the Toronto Arrows. In 2025, Dewald made four appearances off the bench, including two appearances against eventual champions the New England Free Jacks.

The South African prop adds invaluable experience from overseas to the group, having debuted for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup five years ago. Dewald has gone on to feature in more than 20 MLR games, emerging as a strong option at the set-piece.

“We’re excited to see Dewald take his game to the next level with the Seawolves, and we’re committed to supporting his growth and development as a player,” coach Clarke explained.

“We first brought him on board in 2022, recognising his potential to become a USA Eagle. We look forward to seeing him flourish in 2026, and turning his potential into consistent high-quality performances.”

Dewald added: “This place feels like home. Excited to keep building with this group. Grateful for the opportunity. Hungry for more. Another year, same mission. Proud to represent this club. Year 5 – let’s go.”