GEORGE SMITH HAS signed a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds for the 2017 and 2018 Super Rugby seasons.
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The contract with the Australian franchise will also allow the legendary openside flanker to play two Top League seasons with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan.
Smith was exceptional for Wasps. Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images
35-year-old Smith has just come off an incredible season for Dai Young’s Wasps that saw him nominated for the Premiership’s player of the season award. The flanker won the Rugby Players’ Association Players’ Player award for his remarkable campaign.
Having proven that he still has a huge amount to offer on the pitch, the 111-times capped former Wallaby will now return to his native land to join the Reds, who are currently being co-interim head coached by Matt O’Connor.
Smith’s professional career began with the Brumbies in Canberra, where he spent 10 seasons from 2000 until 2010 before a move to Toulon. The openside – who is one of the all-time breakdown greats – had spells with Stade Français, Lyon and Suntory thereafter, as well as a successful return for the Brumbies in 2013.
The seemingly ageless Sydney native recently served a stint as a coaching advisor for Eddie Jones’ England, aiding their breakdown work as they secured a Grand Slam this year.
The move to the Reds will see Smith perform a mentoring role with the franchise’s young talent, as well as featuring on the pitch himself.
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“The body feels great and the experience in England has been outstanding,” said Smith of the move back to Australia. “I’m really looking forward to playing Super Rugby again. I want to make a positive difference wherever I go and I feel I can do this with the Reds.