‘Couldn’t turn down’: USA winger seals move to Top 14 powerhouse

USA Men’s Eagles winger Rufus McLean has left Major League Rugby side the Seattle Seawolves for an opportunity in France, agreeing to a deal he “simply couldn’t turn down” with powerhouse Top 14 outfit Stade Français.

McLean, who represented Scotland at both under-18 and under-20 levels, has agreed to join the Parisian club for the 2026/27 campaign. Stade Français finished third on the regular season ladder last season before falling in the semi-finals to Montpellier.

The 26-year-old spent just one injury-riddled season with the Seawolves, touching down for two tries in as many appearances. Seattle reached the semi-finals but were defeated 43-34 by new-look franchise the California Legion.

It was in that match that McLean crossed for a double, before receiving higher honours yet again with the USA national team. The No. 14 was named in the run-on side for the Eagles’ first match of the all-new World Rugby Nations Cup, which the home side won 30-29 in Denver.

McLean is a former Scotland international, last representing the Northern Hemisphere side on July 17, 2022, against Argentina. But fast-forward to now, and the outside back has played in seven matches for the USA.

“While we’re disappointed to see Rufus depart, we fully recognise what a significant opportunity this is for him. At the Seawolves, we take pride in helping players develop and progress in their careers, and Rufus’ move to Stade Français reflects that commitment,” Seawolves Director of Rugby and head coach Allen Clarke said.

“Although injury limited his involvement for much of the season, his quality was clear in the final two matches, where he again showed the impact he can make at the highest level. Rufus has been an outstanding contributor to the club, both in mentoring other players and supporting community events, and we wish him every success in Paris.

“Rufus will always be welcome at the Seawolves, and we look forward to following the next stage of his career.”

McLean debuted for the USA against England on July 20 last year, with the visiting side boasting the likes of Immanuel Fey-Waboso and George Ford. Appearances against Canada, Japan and Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup followed, before the November internationals.

The USA lost a closely-fought contest to Georgia 43-30, but bounced back a week later in another thriller against Romania. McLean started on the left wing in both fixtures, which included a try-scoring appearance against Romania.

USA coach Scott Lawrence recently named McLean on the wing to face Portugal, but injuries stopped the team from having consistency on the right edge. Conner Mooneyham started the next match against Zimbabwe, but was ruled out of the Spain Test due to injury.

McLean has emerged as one of the leading wingers in MLR over stints with the Houston SaberCats and Seawolves, and has carried that form into the Test arena. But the opportunity to play in one of the biggest rugby competitions in the world looms as an exciting prospect for the Eagle.

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank everyone at Seattle Seawolves for allowing me the opportunity to pursue this move and take on a new challenge in the Top 14,” McLean explained.

“My time in Seattle has been incredibly special. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by a fantastic group of players, coaches, staff and supporters who made the club feel like home. The fans have been unbelievable, the coaching team have backed me every step of the way, and I’ve made friendships that will stay with me long after rugby.

“This opportunity is one that I simply couldn’t turn down, but leaving a club like Seattle is never easy. I’m hugely grateful for the support and understanding shown throughout the process.

“This isn’t the end of my Seattle journey.

“Thanks for everything.”