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Ezekiel Lindenmuth snapped up by Seattle for 2026 MLR season
By Ned Lester
Former Samoa rep and 2025 MLR finalist with Houston, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, has made the move north to join the Seattle Seawolves for the 2026 MLR season.
A familiar name to rugby fans across the Pacific, the former New Zealand U20 and Moana Pasifika prop made his USA Eagles debut earlier this year during England’s tour of the Americas.
The 28-year-old went on to play Canada, Japan, and then his country of birth, Samoa, in the Pacific Nations Cup. A couple of games for Counties Manukau in the NPC preceded another USA squad selection for the Autumn Nations Series, where he was a nailed-on starter against Scotland, Georgia and Romania.
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After two seasons with Houston, including an MLR final appearance earlier in 2025, Lindenmuth was forced to find a new home when the Texas outfit announced a shock withdrawal from the 2026 MLR season.
Of the six teams remaining in the MLR for 2026, it’s now confirmed that Seattle has won the powerhouse prop’s services.
“Stoked to be a part of the Seawolves this year, can’t wait to meet all of our fans and play some great rugby,” Lindenmuth said.
The 2026 MLR season kicks off in April with Anthem Rugby Carolina, California Legion, Chicago Hounds, New England Free Jacks, and Old Glory DC joining Seattle in what is expected to be a 10-round competition, with the top four sides reaching the playoffs.
The Houston SaberCats are one of four teams that competed in 2025 but will be absent in 2026, joined by Miami Sharks and NOLA Gold, while Los Angeles and San Diego have merged to create California Legion.
A post on social media from Houston in September read, “Thank you for supporting the Sabercats over the past eight seasons. We have shared some incredible experiences together, from our patchy start in the early years at a minor-league baseball stadium to the successful squad of the last four years, playing at the best rugby facility in the country. We can be proud of this journey and celebrate. Many of the experiences we shared together.
“It is with much sadness that we announce we will not be participating in MLR’s 2026 season. To our passionate fans and valued sponsors–thank you for your support, for the time and energy you invested in the Sabercats. Season tickets will be refunded shortly.
“Thank you again. We hope that you enjoyed the ride as much as we did. Gratefully, the Sabercats.”
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