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Two more players have signed long-term deals to stay with in Seattle. South African pair Rhyno Herbst and JP Smith have committed each committed to the Seawolves through the end of the 2024 Major League Rugby season. They follow five others in re-signing during recent weeks – James Malcolm, Lauina Futi, AJ Alatimu, Ross Neal, and captain Riekert Hattingh.
Herbst enjoyed his first season with the Seawolves after joining from the Lions of Super Rugby. The big lock started 12 games and impressed with his strong work rate on both sides of the ball and physicality in the contact area. At 25 years old he is only now starting to reach his physical prime.
This was the third season in Seattle for Smith. The 27-year-old scrumhalf again showed his versatility, also starting games at flyhalf, wing, and fullback. Though he has previously represented South Africa at u20 level, Smith could be qualified for the USA on 3-year residency during a short window in December of this year. The regulation increases to 5 years as of January 1, 2022.
Meanwhile the Seawolves have confirmed the departure of tighthead prop Tim Metcher. The Australia u20 international appeared in 46 league matches for the club, missing only three games since the inaugural 2018 campaign. Only Utah’s Angus MacLellan, with 47, has made more appearances in MLR history.
