Major League Rugby club sign Tongan international Harison Mataele

The Seattle Seawolves have made a significant signing announcement ahead of the upcoming Major League Rugby season, with Tongan international Harison Mataele adding invaluable experience to the club’s roster for 2026.

Mataele is the latest addition to the Seawolves squad for the new campaign, following the recent news that club centurion JP Smith had put pen to paper on a fresh deal. Seattle made the playoffs last season and are preparing to help MLR launch its new era with six teams.

Seattle have described the 31-year-old as “a powerful international lock” who recently started for Tonga against Scotland during the Quilter Nations Series. Mataele featured in Tonga’s First XV during the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup as well.

In the PNC, Mataele played 66 minutes in the semi-final defeat to Eddie Jones’ Japan, and backed that up with a 68-minute shift in the third-place playoff against Canada. Mataele has earned a global rugby reputation as a physical lock who can dominate in the air.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Harison Mataele to the Seawolves family,” coach Allen Clarke said in a statement.

“He’s a quality lock with the confidence and composure that come from performing on the international stage. Harison’s experience, professionalism, and presence will be invaluable to our environment.

“We’re proud to have him join us and look forward to the impact he’ll make on and off the field.”

Mataele represented Manly Marlins and Eastern Suburbs RFC before most recently enjoying a stint with Stade Montois Rugby Pro in France. With Tonga, Mataele has long proven himself as a Test-standard performer in the international arena.

After debuting for Tonga in 2022, Mataele has played in multiple PNC tournaments. The second-rower debuted against the All Blacks, playing 10 minutes off the pine against a team that included Patrick Tuipulotu and Beauden Barrett on the bench.

Since the beginning of November 2024, Mataele played Test matches against Romania, the USA and Georgia. Following a Pro D2 season – making eight appearances for Stade Montois – Mataele wore Tongan red in those four PNC fixtures and the Scotland Test.

“I’m really excited for a season with the Seattle Seawolves,” Mataele said.

“I look forward to getting stuck in with the boys and giving it my all.”

MLR continues to build towards the 2026 campaign, with all teams confirming new signings in recent weeks. Three-time defending champions the New England Free Jacks have unveiled a quartet of New Zealand products who have signed on.

Northland winger Nathan Salmon, Otago product Reuben Palmer, Tasman enforcer Tayne Hemopo, and Wellington-raised Harrison Boyle have all signed on for 2026. Boyle was born in Boston but captained one of the most prestigious High School First XV’s in the country to a title.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to see a new part of the world, experience new cultures, and play some hissing rugby with the Free Jacks in 2026,” Salmon said in a statement.

“I’m extremely grateful to the club for giving me an opportunity to live out my childhood dream and represent a proud history and community in New England,” Palmer reflected.

Hemopo added: “First I would like to thank the man above for this opportunity to represent the Free Jacks in the 2026 season. I am very grateful, and I will wear the jersey with pride and honour.”