Duncan Goes Pro, Crossover to Rugby Pays Off in Seattle

TUKWILA, WASHINGTON (May 14, 2021) – The Seattle Seawolves are excited to announce the signing of former University of Charleston football player and Seattle Rugby Club prop, Matthew Duncan.

Originally from Jonesborough, Tennessee Duncan started playing football at the age of 10. A sport that he grew to love and excel at while playing for Daniel Boon High School, he progressed to the collegiate level at the University of Charleston. The middle linebacker played four seasons for the Golden Eagles and was a three-year starter. He earned 1st team All-Mountain East and 2nd team BSN All-Region as a senior, wrapping up his career with 82 tackles, three sacks, two deflected passes, and one forced fumble. After graduating, Duncan pursued his dreams of becoming a professional athlete further, training for combine opportunities for the CFL and NFL alike – but nothing panned out the way he had hoped. Ready for a change of scenery and hunting for the next thing, Duncan joined sister, Jennine Detiveaux (Duncan), in the Pacific Northwest. The capped USA Eagle and Seattle Rugby Club winger convinced Duncan to come out to a touch rugby session, and he slowly made his way to Seattle Rugby Club trainings. Duncan played in his first rugby during the spring of 2018 with the Orcas’ Division I side in a British Columbia Rugby Union league match up. He started out on the wing like most rookies do, and eventually found a starting spot on the men’s premiership side in the front row after proving his strength and technical projection. The 6’0, 250 lb. prop joined the Seawolves’ training camp as an Academy athlete a few weeks back. A quick learner and explosive athlete, the US eligible front rower joins the Seawolves with a prime opportunity for advanced development in the professional environment.

“I’m so thankful to get this opportunity to be a part of this organization to advance my rugby career,” said Duncan. “I hope that I can give back to the club as much as this organization will give me.”

The Seattle Seawolves (2-5) are back on the road in week 9, heading east to take on Old Glory DC (2-4). Kickoff of the MLR Game of the Week is at 9:00 AM PT Sunday, May 16 on CBS Sports Network for viewers inside the United States and The Rugby Network for those outside of the US.