Former New England Patriots player Justus Tavai has completed his move to Major League Rugby (MLR) side Seattle Seawolves.
The tighthead prop joins from California Legion, where he made 12 appearances last season.
Tavai took an unusual route into professional rugby, having previously played college football and spent time with the Patriots.
After attending Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, he began his college career at El Camino College in 2017.
He later transferred to the University of Hawai‘i, where he spent four seasons, before completing his studies at San Diego State in 2022.
The Patriots signed Tavai as an undrafted rookie free agent in May 2023.
The defensive lineman had two spells with the organisation during the offseason before being released in August, ahead of the regular season.
American football runs in the family. Tavai is the younger brother of current Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai and defensive end J. R. Tavai.
His transition to rugby began when he joined the American Raptors ahead of the Super Rugby Americas campaign two years ago.
He subsequently played for Los Angeles and California Legion, establishing himself in the MLR.
Speaking after completing his move to Seattle, Tavai said, "I’m grateful for every opportunity that’s brought me to this point, and I’m excited for this next chapter with the Seawolves.
"I’m looking forward to embracing the culture, building genuine relationships with my teammates, and putting in the work every day to contribute to something bigger than myself. I can’t wait to get started."
Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke added: “Justus is a physical, hardworking tighthead with a great attitude and a real desire to improve. .
"We see plenty of upside in his game and look forward to helping him develop into the player we believe he can be.
“We’re delighted to welcome Justus, his wife Selina and their three wonderful children into the Seawolves family.”
