NRL

Former Wallabies and NRL player Brian Smith has died aged 59 following a battle with an aggressive cancer, bringing an end to an extraordinary career that saw him reach the highest level in both rugby union and rugby league.

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Smith was one of Australia’s rare dual-code talents, representing the Wallabies at the 1987 Rugby World Cup before later switching international allegiance to Ireland.

He played six Tests for Australia before going on to represent Ireland nine times, making him one of the few players to have worn the international jerseys of both nations.

Smith then made the dramatic switch to rugby league, joining Balmain in the early 1990s and quickly establishing himself as a talented halfback after being convinced to make the move by former Wallabies coach Alan Jones.

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He played 37 matches for the Tigers before finishing his NRL career with Eastern Suburbs, bringing his rugby league tally to 43 first-grade appearances.

Smith’s sporting career did not end when he retired from playing, with the former halfback going on to build an impressive coaching career across rugby union.

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He worked in a number of coaching roles in Australia and overseas, including with Australia’s sevens program, the Brumbies, Bath, Ricoh Black Rams, London Irish and England.

In more recent years, Smith became an influential figure at Sydney’s Scots College, where he served as Head of Sport and Director of Rugby while helping develop the next generation of Australian players.

His influence was felt by several current Wallabies, including Angus Bell, who has credited Smith with playing a major role in his development as a young player.

Smith’s death has therefore been felt well beyond the professional game, with the former dual international remembered for the impact he had on players and young athletes throughout his coaching career.

He is survived by his wife Lisa and children Ruby, Santana and Chilli.

Smith leaves behind a remarkable legacy as a player who crossed codes and represented two countries internationally, before dedicating much of his later life to helping others reach their own potential.

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