Cape Town - Lions loosehead prop Dylan Smith is eager to make an impact in this year’s Super Rugby competition.
The 24-year-old has struggled with injuries over the past few years but told Netwerk24 on Monday that he believes 2019 will be his year.
He has been sidelined with a shoulder injury for the past six months but is expected to be fit for the Lions’ Super Rugby opener against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires on February 16.
He told the Afrikaans publication that he's never been better prepared for a season.
"After everything I’ve gone through the last couple of years and the number of times my career has been disrupted, I feel like I owe myself something good.
"I’d really like to show again what I’m capable of and I trust that my career will now properly take off. I feel like a champagne cork ready to pop!" he said.
Smith, who was schooled at King Edward VII School in Johannesburg, has been on the Lions' books since making their Craven Week side in 2011.
He also played for the South African schools team in 2012.
In 2013 he played for the Golden Lions' under-19 team and made a step up to the under-21s the following year.
He made his senior Golden Lions debut in 2015 and Super Rugby debut in 2016.