Brian Anthony Smith

Brian Smith was a superb athlete who could play anywhere in the backline but was especially adept at halfback and fly half. Skilful and incredibly dedicated, especially to his training, Smith was unlucky that he arrived on the representative scene at a time that Australian rugby had the truly world class halves combination of Michael Lynagh and Nick Farr-Jones. Born and raised in Queensland, Smith was educated at Brisbane State High School and from there represented Australian Schools.

In 1985 he made his debut for Queensland against Wellington at Athletic Park but found himself in a constant battle with Peter Slattery to secure the No.9 jersey over the next couple of seasons. When South Korea toured Australia in 1987 national coach Alan Jones, who once described Smith as one of the most gifted players in the world, handed him a debut in the one-off Test in Brisbane.

Smith’s versatility helped him to win a place in the Australian squad for the inaugural Rugby World Cup where he played well, especially when called off the bench early in the quarter-final victory over Ireland. Smith then left Australia for Oxford University where he won two rugby Blues (1988-89). Smith’s international career enjoyed a renaissance when he qualified to play for Ireland and went on to win a total of nine caps in 1990-91. Brian Smith played six Tests for Australia in his one-year Wallaby career.

Highlights

1983

Represented Australian Schools when they defeated New Zealand Schools 12-9 in Sydney

1985

Represented Australian U21s against New Zealand Colts, Western Samoa U21, Tonga U21 & Fiji U21.

1987

Smith won his first Test cap as the starting fly half in the 65-18 defeat of South Korea in Brisbane. He scored 17 points, including a try, to become the 62nd Wallaby to score a try on debut. Smith was selected to his first Rugby World Cup where he played four matches. His sixth and final cap was earned at No.9 in the 1st Test, 19-19 draw with Argentina in Buenos Aires. Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s

1988

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s