Meet the WWU Rugby Vikings Who are Headed for the West Coast 7's

The Vikings are set to compete at the West Coast 7's Regionals on September 27, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Live stream using the Field 1 West Coast 7s Link.

The squad features a blend of experienced leaders and promising new talent.

• Eli Ashman #1
  Electric energy attacking the ball: powerful, explosive, unafraid. Eli has honed his skills in high-pressure settings—having represented Western Athletic Conference in the USA Summer Series, and at the National 7s Tournament. An All-American for WWU, he combines raw athleticism with smart decision-making in open space. He’s the kind of player you trust to make noise in tight moments.
• Liam Herring #2
  A driven, motivated competitor, Liam spent the summer overseas at the Cottesloe Rugby Club in Perth, Australia. Stepping into a few Premier Grade matches there, he sharpened his game under tough competition and brought back an elevated level of intensity and adaptability. Always pushing himself and those around him.
• Sho Sekiya #21
  Hailing from Japan, Sho is what you might call an “energy bug.” He has a wicked step and a burst over 10 metres that can break lines in an instant. Exceptional vision gives him the ability to see gaps before they open—and exploit them. Fast, creative, dangerous.
• Seamus Twohey #12
  From Liberty RFC in Seattle, Seamus is a product of longstanding rugby roots. He’s represented EIRA on multiple tours and is part of the USA National Development pathway. He brings rugby maturity, disciplined defense, and the capacity to perform under increasing expectations.
• Janco Jonkers #15
  Originally from Pretoria High School in South Africa, Janco transferred to WWU to further both his education and his rugby. His experience back home, where rugby is intensely competitive, gives him composure under pressure. A reliable presence in tight games—steady, strong, a stabilizer.
• George Pritchard #8
  From White Rock, British Columbia, George plays with ferocity in contact. A powerful fend that shines in collision zones, he’s dynamic in the breakdown and carries physicality. He has represented BC in the 7s at the World Schools event in Auckland, and also in XVs. Strong pedigree, strong impact.
• Tavoi Filivaa #11
  Grew up in Hawaii playing mostly 7s—makes him instinctive in space. His “bronco” (I assume a timed run) of 4:19 speaks to his speed and fitness. Silky smooth runner with excellent vision, able to read the field and choose when to accelerate or shift. A serious threat in open field play.
• Sam Shuver #22
  Freshman last year, Sam made a statement at Nationals in Kansas with WWU—not just in numbers, but by how he played. His growth in training, his attitude, and his willingness to develop have set him apart. Expect more from him this season as he leans into his role.
• Atraiu Nordeste #6
  Also from Liberty RFC in Seattle, a freshman with a big frame and promising athleticism. We’re excited about Tre’s future—he has physical tools, room to grow, and seems to take coaching well. A newer piece in the lineup who will add depth and punch.
• Oliver Kelleher #13
  A 5th-year Senior, Oliver was part of the WWU squad that won the National Title in 2024. Calm, composed, experienced. He brings leadership by example, knows what it takes at the highest level, and helps steady the group when things get choppy. From Boston, Massachusetts, but now very much part of the WWU rugby identity.
• Gabe Galvez #10
  From the Bay Area, Gabe is the club President; beyond that, he brings maturity and composure. Having played a lot of youth rugby, he has a solid rugby IQ, which shows in decisions on field. Someone the team can lean on for both leadership and steady performance.
• Peter Norse #14
  Relentless worker. He shows up to practice, competition, always ready for contact, always ready to grind. Doesn’t shy away from the physical side, plays spiritedly. If there’s a breakdown, you can count on Peter being in the thick of it. His energy helps elevate the group.

The Coaching Staff: A Combination of Experience and Vision

The program is led by a veteran coaching staff that brings a wealth of domestic and international experience.

• Adam Roberts (Head Coach): Having previously coached WWU from 2010 to 2018, he returned to the program after six years of coaching the Canada U20 program. His leadership has helped the team grow in discipline, competitiveness, and in its national stature. His experience, both domestic and international, gives sharp insight into tactics, player development, and maintaining championship level standards. 
• Paul Horne (Director of WWU Rugby Program): A WWU alumnus from the 1970s, he has continued his involvement in rugby by coaching the Canadian Youth Program and Canada's Men's National Team in the ‘90’s and early 2000’s. His institutional memory, his strategic vision for the program, and his connection to alumni are vital to ensuring continuity, growth, and maintaining the culture of WWU Rugby.

WWU Men's Rugby: A Legacy of Championship

The Western Washington University Rugby Program has established itself as a premier collegiate rugby program on the West Coast and nationally, with a history and identity built on competitive excellence. Over decades, WWU has built a tradition of success in both 7s and XVs, producing talented players who move into regional, national, and international pathways. This tradition is strongly supported by the Western Rugby Alumni (WRA), a group of past players who are integral to the program through mentorship, financial support, and networking. Alumni involvement ensures that current players benefit from a legacy of excellence and that the program's foundations, including facilities and coaching, remain strong.

A key part of their identity is a "blue-collar mentality," which means the team is known for being tough in contact, committed to training, and resilient in the face of adversity. The program has a track record of national success, highlighted by winning a National Title in 2024 and strong performances in 7s tournaments. These successes not only build prestige but also create recruiting momentum. The program focuses on player development, bridging club, regional, and national opportunities, and emphasizes both individual skill and team cohesion. Looking forward, the program aims to maintain its competitive edge in high-stakes tournaments while developing the next generation of players, with alumni support, strong coaching, and a shared identity of hard work as its pillars.

Follow along on Instagram: @westcoast7s