Seattle Seawolves Adds Devin Short

The Seattle Seawolves obtained Devin Short from NOLA Gold in exchange for 2024 salary cap considerations while giving NOLA Gold the 11th selection in the MLR 2023 Collegiate Draft. The 25-year-old flanker is 6’3″ and 220 lbs.

Devin was the 21st MLR player to have appeared in 50 matches, which he did on June 3, 2023. In 2023 he played 145 minutes in 4 matches, starting 3 and his reduced time in 2023 was due to injury.

This contrasted to his 1100 minutes played in 2022 in 15 starts and scored 3 tries. In 2021 he was NOLA Gold’s Forward of the Year and played 537 minutes in 11 matches, starting 6. He also played in the inaugural Premier Rugby Sevens tournament in Memphis, Tennessee on October 9, 2021, with the Loggerheads.

Devin previously played three seasons with the San Diego Legion, playing in 530 minutes in 8 starts and scoring 1 try in 2018. In 2019 he played 802 minutes in 11 starts and scored 2 tries. During the pandemic shortened 2020 season, he played 24 minutes in 3 matches.

Devin is from Las Vegas, Nevada, and attended Arbor View High School. He was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, track, wrestling, volleyball, and in his senior year, rugby.

Despite being new to the sport of rugby, Devin helped to lead the Blackhawks to a Nevada high school state title. He attended the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy and played with their SoCal team, winning the Rocky Mountain Challenge. This led to his selection to the USA Rugby Under-18s High School All-American team.

After high school, he attended Adams State University on a football scholarship. That was short-lived, as a shoulder injury ended his season and he withdrew from College.

After becoming healthy again, Devin resumed playing rugby for the Las Vega Irish. He participated in the ‘Next Olympic Hopeful’ project at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and won. This gained him a three-month training program with the USA Rugby Sevens program.

Devin’s athletic prowess at training camp was evident and he was selected for the USA Falcons South American tour to the Punte del Este Sevens and the Vina del Mar Sevens following his first season with the San Diego Legion, for the Rugbytown Sevens.

Devin has a bright future in rugby and the professional experience gained with the Legion will accelerate that development. During the 2019 season, Devin played in 12 matches for 822 minutes and scored two tries. He had 46 ball carries with 294 meters gained. He created 7 turnovers and made 107 tackles. He was also a force in the lineouts with one lineout steal.

Seattle Seawolves Comments

Short went to college to play football, but ended up playing rugby. Short explained, “Rugby allowed me to run the ball, make tackles. I got to lose the pads, which I always thought hindered me. It was super exciting to get to be the athlete I always knew I could be.”

Short’s athleticism is undeniable. “Once the opportunity to sign a young American player of Devin’s quality and ambition became apparent, it was an easy decision to move quickly. He’s dynamic with the skillsets and mindset to be a standout player in the MLR. We’re delighted to welcome Devin to the Seawolves family”, said Allen “Clarkie” Clarke, Seattle Seawolves Director of Rugby, and Head Coach.

Devin is extremely thankful for all the support he received. From the fans who showed up “week in and week out”. The coaches and team management for allowing him to grow as a person and player. And his friends and community for making his time in NOLA special. When discussing his move to Seattle, Short said: “Today, I start a new chapter in my career. I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity to join the Seawolves, and look forward to competing for something bigger than myself. Together we hunt!”