The Seattle Seawolves signed South African Duncan Matthews through the 2024 Major League Rugby season. The 27-year-old fullback, who has also played wing and center, (28 in February) is 6’0″ and 195 lbs.
Duncan was born in Atlantis, Western Cape, South Africa, and attended Swartland High School in Malmesbury, a neighboring town. He played with the U16 Boland Cavaliers in the 2010 Grant Khomo Week and also for the Springboks U16s.
After graduation, he moved to Pretoria and joined the Blue Bulls Academy from 2013-2015. He played in the U19 Provincial Championship in 2013 and in the U21 Provincial Championship in 2014 and 2016. He also played with the Springboks U20s in 2014.
From 2014-2016, he played with the UP Tuks in the Varsity Cup all three years. In 2015 he tore his ACL in the Varsity Cup and after rehabilitation, he returned to action in 2016. He also played from 2016-2018 with the Blue Bulls XV, and Blues Bulls, in the Currie Cup qualification, and Currie Cup, as well as with the Super Rugby Bulls in 2017-2018.
Duncan then switched clubs, playing Currie Cup with the Golden Lions from 2019-2021 and Super Rugby with the Lions in 2020-2021.
Seattle Seawolves Comments
“It’s fantastic to sign a player of Duncan’s ability and experience having played Super Rugby in South Africa for the Bulls and Lions,” said Seawolves director of rugby and head coach Allen Clarke. “Primarily a fullback but comfortable at center, he possesses the decision making, distribution skills, and physical qualities to add real value to the squad. What’s particularly exciting is his ambition to continue to grow as a player and succeed with the Seawolves. We’re delighted to welcome Duncan, his wife, Kirah, and son, Carter, to our family for the next three years.”
“I’ve been following Seawolves and MLR for a while,” said Matthews. “I know some of the guys from my junior years at the Bulls and this year I’ve had to make a decision on my future. It was always going to be tough to give up on the dreams I’ve had in South Africa, but Coach Clarke really excited me and now, I don’t see it as the end of my career—but as an opportunity to enjoy rugby again and reach my potential. I look forward to and am excited to be part of what Clarkie is doing with the Seawolves.”
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