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Another key member of Seattle’s title-winning side has pledged himself to the team for another season. JP Smith will suit up for the Seawolves in the 2020 Major League Rugby campaign after proving an excellent addition to the defending champions in 2019.
Smith, 25, showed his versatility by splitting his time between both halfback positions. The South Africa u20 select played all 18 games, taking the starting scrumhalf spot but switching to flyhalf when Phil Mack inevitably came into the game as an impact sub. His prodigious left boot allowed Seattle to control territory and tempo, with his pinpoint touch kick leading to the title-securing try against San Diego.
With countryman Ryno Eksteen now providing an alternative to Ben Cima at flyhalf and Mack moving into a full-time coaching role, Smith can be expected to concentrate on the No9 shirt exclusively in 2020. Seattle are yet to confirm a second scrumhalf specialist. Shalom Suniula provided emergency third-string cover this past season.
