In the realm of rugby, certain players become inextricably linked with the teams thay represent. JP Smith, the Seattle Seawolves’ dynamic scrum-half, is one such figure. He has etched his name into Major League Rugby (MLR) history.

During Week 10, Smith achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming only the second player to reach 100 appearances in the league. He now shares this distinction with Dylan Fawsitt, the Chicago Hounds hooker and USA Men’s Eagles player, in what is now North America’s most exclusive rugby club.

On Friday night, in front of a roaring home crowd and the seawolves’ new ownership group, including Marshawn Lynch and Marcus Peters, Smith started against the Hounds. The Seawolves secured a 28-22 victory, marking a memorable night for the team and their centurion scrum-half.

Of his 100 MLR appearances, Smith has started in 90 of those matches, underscoring his consistent presence and importance to the Seawolves’ lineup.

“It is something special. It’s special for me because I’m doing it at the same club.I have been at the same place, and I have been blessed enough to have the Seawolves look after me and put their trust in me for so long.”

JP Smith

Smith reflects on the dedication required to reach such a milestone, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort, even on days when motivation wanes.

“It is also a testament to the days that you don’t really want to do it. The days you don’t want to go to the gym, or you don’t want to do the extra stuff. It’s a big part of what drives me as a player is doing those small things, the little things that will provide the longevity of your career.”

JP Smith

He acknowledges the journey’s ups and downs and how quickly time passes.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs. Reflecting on it, you don’t know how quickly it does come upon you.”

JP Smith

From South Africa to Seattle: A Rugby Journey

Smith’s path to MLR began with a phone call from a familiar voice. In 2018, Riekert Hattingh, his former Blue Bulls teammate and then-Seattle captain, reached out to recruit him for the league’s inaugural season.

Initially, Smith declined, opting to pursue his rugby career in South Africa. As a young player, Smith impressed Heyneke Meyer, the Bulls Director of Rugby, while playing for the Border Bulldogs. This lead to his move to Pretoria and representation of the Bulls’ various age-grade teams.

Despite his talent,Smith faced challenges in securing consistent game time with the Bulls. He describes this period as a humbling experience that shaped his character.

“I left school, went to the blue Bulls, and was a professional rugby player at 19.You’re getting paid a salary and have all these nice, flashy things. You hit your peak at a young age. I know those things caught up with me really quickly. I’m so happy it did happen to me because I wouldn’t have learned. I wouldn’t have been humbled in the way I was.”

JP Smith

Smith reflects on the allure of early fame and the importance of discipline.

“You get all that fame, nice cars, sponsored cars. This and that.It overpowered me. it put me in a place where I was very high up and then rock bottom. It helped me grow my faith and to realize that you’ve got to be disciplined.”

JP Smith

After his time with the Bulls, Smith played for the Free State Cheetahs and spent 2018 with the Southern Kings and Eastern Province Kings. However, he reconnected with hattingh, leading to his move to Seattle.

Seawolves success and American Dream

Smith’s impact on the Seawolves was immediate.In his first season, he contributed to the team’s back-to-back championship victory. He earned an All-MLR First XV of the Season nod in 2022 and has been named in two Honorable Mention XVs.

When asked about his favorite memories,Smith highlights the 2019 title and the team’s unexpected run to the 2022 Championship Final.

Seattle has become Smith’s home. He now spends his off-seasons working on the Pennsylvania farm of Seawolves owner, adrian Balfour. The team even sells wool from the farm’s sheep.

In late 2024, Smith and his wife, Katie, welcomed their first son, Luka.

“I didn’t really think it was going to be a long-term stint for me in America. I always thought I’d play a year or two years and then go to play somewhere else. I’ve just loved it so much. I’ve loved Seattle so much. Here I am seven years later and loving it.”

JP Smith

He reflects on the challenges and rewards of joining a growing association.

“There were growing pains, coming from a professional club in South Africa to Seattle in those early stages. But I enjoyed that. I enjoyed being part of something that was growing and a part of something that was fully new. It was refreshing. It is where I was in my life at that stage.”

JP Smith

Eagle Soars: International Recognition

In September, Smith’s dedication was further recognized when he earned his first cap for the USA Eagles. Qualifying on residency grounds, he played in four Pacific Nations Cup games.

This international recognition is a testament to Smith’s MLR performance and the sacrifices he and his wife have made.

“It’s been a long road. There is so much sacrifice that myself and my wife have put into this. We have missed birthdays, funerals, and weddings. We have missed all those things, and we miss our families.”

JP Smith

Smith reflects on his journey and the unexpected turn his career has taken.

“It (Smith’s Test debut) was a special moment.If you had asked me in 2019 that in six years’ time, I’d be playing in America for the Eagles and have this whole life set up, I would have laughed at you. I’m so fortunate to be here.It’s just been amazing to see where I am at the moment compared to where I was.”

JP Smith