Seawolves recruit US-qualified Italy 7s flyer for 2026

Major League Rugby’s Seattle Seawolves have confirmed the signing of Italy U20 international Matthias Douglas for the 2026 season.

The 22-year-old wing qualifies for the USA thanks to his father, Karl, and spent chunks of his formative years in Dallas, Texas.

A boyhood Cowboys fan, he first harboured hopes of playing in the NFL before he watched the All Blacks seal the first-ever Rugby Championship title in 2012.

“Seeing Richie McCaw and his passion for rugby and the sport was a key moment that made me really want to play rugby,” Douglas told Six Nations Rugby in 2023.

“I could tell that he wanted to show everyone that rugby is the best sport in the world and that it’s a beautiful thing. I said to my family that I felt I could get to that level one day.”

Rising through the ranks in Italy, Douglas took part in the U20 Six Nations and the World Rugby Junior World Championship. To continue his development while on the books of United Rugby Championship outfit Benetton Rugby he played for Italy’s sevens side in the 2023 edition of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

A dynamic, athletic attacker, Douglas has spent time in Australia and also works as a model. He also has a large social media following, with just shy of 400,000 followers on TikTok.

In 2025 the Seattle Seawolves finished the regular season fourth in the Western Conference with a 8-1-7 record, but were knocked out of the Play-Offs by the Utah Warriors in the Conference Semi-Finals. Already this offseason the side have added Andre Warner, Marno Redelinghuys, Davy Coetzer, Paddy Ryan and Mark Bennett to their roster.

They have also retained the services of experienced campaigners Dan Kriel, JP Smith, Divan Rossouw, Rhyno Herbst, Ina Futi and Duncan Matthews.

Allen Clarke, Seattle Seawolves head coach, said: “Matthias is one of those under-the-radar signings we’re really excited about. He’s US-qualified, even though he’s been tested in strong programs with Italy 7s and their U23s. He brings real electricity – pace, footwork, and the ability to create something out of nothing.”

Douglas said: “Joining the Seattle Seawolves for my first MLR season as one of the younger players is a huge honor. I’m grateful for this opportunity and fully committed to bringing professionalism, intensity, and consistency to the team.”