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Former South Africa u20 scrumhalf JP Smith has landed in Seattle where he has joined up with the Seawolves ahead of the 2019 Major League Rugby season. The 24-year-old provides much-needed cover for player-coach Phil Mack, the Canadian captain being the only specialist scrumhalf on Seattle’s roster during the 2018 campaign.
Smith takes up a new challenge after playing for Eastern Province in the Guinness Pro 14, SuperSport Challenge, and Currie Cup First Division. He had previously spent three seasons with the Free State who he joined from the Blue Bulls in 2016.
In 2014 Smith was first choice halfback for the Baby Boks at the Junior World Championship in New Zealand where they were finalists, losing to champions England by only a single point. He was named in the Cheetahs training squad for the 2016 Super Rugby season but did not make an appearance.
A tall, physical scrumhalf with a strong kicking game, Smith’s style is reminiscent of former Springboks star Ruan Pienaar. He is also a capable left-footed goal kicker. Smith joins fellow South Africans Riekert Hattingh and Mat Turner at the Seawolves, as well as new coach Anton Moolman.
