NEWS

JP Smith Reaches 50 Caps

On Sunday, May 15th JP Smith became the fifteenth player in Major League Rugby to take the pitch for 50 matches.

Born in Queenstown, South Africa Juan-Philip (JP) Smith began playing rugby at a young age. While attending Queen’s College he played with the Border Bulldogs and featured in Craven Week. Smith went on to play for the Blue Bulls and work his way through their pathway. During his time with the Bulls, JP was also selected to the South Africa U20’s team that competed in the IRB Junior World Championship. After years in the Bulls program, Smith took to the Free State Cheetahs for two seasons before taking to Pro14 competition with the Southern Kings in 2018. Before joining the Seawolves Smith played for Eastern Province in the Guinness Pro 14 and the Elephants in the Currie Cup in 2018.

Photo by @quinnwidth | Seattle Seawolves

Smith joined the Seattle Seawolves for the 2019 MLR season and is on his fourth season with the club. The scrumhalf’s kicking and leadership has made him a staple for the side. Smith currently has 12 career MLR tries to date.

Photo by @quinnwidth | Seattle Seawolves

Major League Rugby is honoring the first 50 players to reach 50 caps, and their role in building the legacy of MLR. The latest of the first fifteen players to reach 50 caps for MLR includes Riekert Hattingh of the Seattle Seawolves, Luke White of the LA Giltinis and Ben Mitchell of San Diego Legion.

Stay tuned for more announcements as players reach the 50 caps milestone, and cement their spot in Major League Rugby’s history.