February 5, 2022 (TUKWILA, WASHINGTON) – The Seattle Seawolves have signed former Blue Bulls and South Africa age-grade prop Dewald Donald through 2022. The young forward boasts experience and size welcomed in the Seawolves front row, set to make his Major League Rugby debut on February 6, 2022, against the Toronto Arrows.
“Although only 22 years of age, Dewald has the physical qualities, maturity, and rugby pedigree to add real competition to our prop roster,” said Seawolves head coach and director of rugby Allen Clarke. “Having come through the Blue Bulls respective age grade levels, South Africa U18s and U20s, and debuted at the senior level in the Currie Cup, I’m delighted Dewald will continue his rugby journey with the Seawolves for 2022 and beyond.”
Originally from Pretoria, South Africa, the 22-year-old has been developing him skill sets within the Blue Bulls program since his U16 days. Donald helped the Bulls U16 program win their respective competition in 2016 before progressing through their U18 and U19 sides. Donald scored the ‘Try of the Week’ in 2018 for the Affies in the South Africa SuperSport Schools competition. Crowned winners in 2019 within the U19 Currie Cup, the Blue Bull earned himself a spot in the Springboks vs Georgia U19 fixture. Donald was also named to the Junior Springboks squad while chalking up another Currie Cup title for the U21 Blue Bulls in 2020. Donald made his senior debut for the Vodacome Blue Bulls Currie Cup debut in 2021 against Western province, scoring a try. The 6’0, 264 lbs. loosehead prop brings power, experience, and a strong trajectory to progress with the Seawolves forward pack against Major League Rugby competition.
“I’m excited to experience the game overseas,” said Donald. “As well as the chance to improve my game and learn from others as a young player. I chose the Seawolves because it’s a big opportunity and steppingstone in my career that I just could not say no to. Also chose them of their history – to be part of a squad that is young and eager to build a highly competitive team over the next few years.”
The Seawolves are set begin regular season play on Sunday, February 6 as Seattle welcomes the Toronto Arrows to Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM PST. Fans tuning in in the United States can watch on ROOT SPORTS and The Rugby Network. International fans can tune in on The Rugby Network. 2022 half-season memberships, as well as group and single-match tickets, are on sale and can be purchased here.
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