Share

Wallaby prop heading to Hurricanes

Cape Town - The Hurricanes have announced that they have signed Wallabies prop Toby Smith on a two-year contract. 

The 28-year-old loosehead will join his new Super Rugby club for the 2018 and 2019 seasons after spending the past four seasons with the Melbourne Rebels in Australia.

Smith, who won two Super Rugby titles during four seasons with the Chiefs, played 50 matches for the Rebels as well as six Tests for his birth country Australia.

"I'll always be grateful for my time in Australia and I have really enjoyed playing for the Melbourne Rebels, but when the opportunity to play for the Hurricanes came up it was very appealing to me." he said. 

"To play for a team with such a proud history and from everything I've heard a great culture, while also being closer to my young son is something I'm very excited about.

"I'm looking forward to moving to Wellington later in the year, meeting everyone, and getting stuck into pre-season training." 

Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd feels Smith would bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the club. 

"Toby has a long and accomplished career that has already included nearly 100 Super Rugby caps, 50 matches for Waikato and a Rugby World Cup campaign with Australia," he said.

"That sort of experience is a valuable asset for any team and we're looking forward to his input from next season." 

Smith was born in North Queensland, but raised in Hamilton by New Zealand parents. He attended Hamilton Boys' High School and was a member of the 2008 New Zealand Under 20 squad which won the then IRB Junior World Championship.

He was a member of the Super Rugby winning Chiefs teams in 2012 and 2013 before moving to Melbourne to chase his goal of playing international rugby. 

Smith earned Wallabies selection for the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad and made his test debut off the bench against the USA in Chicago in late 2015. He will be ineligible for the Wallabies after he moves back to New Zealand.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE