Rugby: Kealakehe grad Wooching to play with English club at world tourney

Psalm Wooching’s passion play has paid off.

The former University of Washington and Kealakehe standout — who decided to leave his NFL dream behind to pursue his first love of rugby — signed with the Harlequins rugby club on Wednesday to be part of the 16-man roster for the Beachcomber World Club 10s tournament in Africa later this month.

“Honored to represent such a prestigious team. Let’s get this win,” Wooching wrote on Twitter.

The Harlequins are an English rugby union team who play in the English Premiership — the top level in England.

The international, eight-team tournament takes place in the nation of Mauritius at Anjalay Stadium on June 17-18. The Harlequins will be in Pool A alongside the defending tourney champion Western Force, as well as Japan’s Kubota Spears and a combined Africa Pacific Dragons.

The door was open for Wooching to pursue a career in the NFL, as he was considered by most outlets as a late-round prospect or possible undrafted free agent pickup. But instead, he has decided to go pursue a rugby career.

From his outside linebacker spot, Wooching led Washington with 6.0 sacks in 2016, adding 42 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

Since leaving college, Wooching has played for the Seattle Saracens rugby team and also had a trial with French Top 14 side Pau.

The Big Islander’s long-term goal is to play in the Olympics and represent Team USA. This is a stepping stone to make that a reality.

“This will be a great opportunity and experience for Psalm to continue his pathway into rugby from American football,” Harlequins academy and global development director Tony Diprose said. “It also provides Harlequins with the opportunity to have a good look at him in a high-quality international tournament such as this one. This will also give him the chance to see how an elite professional rugby team operates.”