South African lock Jean Droste played in Major League Rugby during the 2024 season, representing the Seattle Seawolves.

Droste is an experienced player, with 2024 being his 10th professional season. He has played in the Currie Cup with the Sharks XV (2016-2018) as well as their Super Rugby side from 2017-2018, as well as the Blue Bulls Currie Cup side in 2019, and the Free State Cheetahs in 2021 and 2023. He has also played in Japan, representing the Kubota Spears in 2018-2019, the NEC Green Rockets in 2020, and the Munakata Sanix Blues.

The Seattle Seawolves announced the signing of Droste on 29th October 2023, ahead of the 2024 MLR season. He completed 125 tackles and ran for over 250m gained in his debut MLR season, earning 13 appearances (all starts) as the Seawolves qualified for the post-season with a strong 11-5 record. Seattle saw off the San Diego Legion and the Dallas Jackals before falling 11-20 to the New England Free Jacks in the 2024 Championship Final, which Droste started, completing 12 tackles.

achievements

• 2024 MLR Runner-Up: Seattle Seawolves
• MLR Team of the Week: 2024 – Rd 2