Lions Fullback Signs Three-year Contract, Matthews Joins Seawolves through 2024

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (December 29, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed South African fullback Duncan Matthews through 2024. The Blue Bulls product and former Lion will debut and compete in Major League Rugby (MLR) in 2022.

“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.”

Born in Atlantis, West Cape, South Africa, Matthews began playing rugby at a young age and began to get selected for representative sides at the U16 level. He represented the Boland Cavaliers at the Grant Khomo Week in 2010 and earned himself a spot in the Springboks U16 squad. After graduating, he moved to Pretoria to join the Blue Bulls Academy from 2013-15 and continued along the Springbok pathway with their 2014 U20 team. His next move was to his university side in the UP Tuks, where he played in all three Varsity Cups from 2014-16. Strong performances that earned him a contract extension from the Blue Bulls through 2018. Matthews appeared for both the Blue Bulls’ Currie Cup and Super Rugby sides consistently through 2019. After seven years with the Blue Bulls Club, Matthews signed with the Lions and continued his Currie Cup and Super Rugby level of play with his new side. With a strong ability to keep the ball alive as a dynamic ball carrier and distributor, Duncan will be a key factor in the Seawolves’ attack. You can view Matthews’ highlights here.

“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.”

The Seawolves are set to face two Canadian teams in January as part of their preseason preparations, facing UBCOB Ravens on January 22 and Rugby Canada’s West Selects on January 28. Regular season will begin February 6 as Seattle welcomes the Toronto Arrows to Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. 2022 season and half-season memberships, as well as group and single-match tickets, are on sale now and can be purchased here.