Ryan Smith (rugby union, born 1996)

Last updated

Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith After Super Rugby Debut.jpg
Birth nameRyan Smith
Date of birth (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 27)
Place of birth Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Height1.99 m (6 ft 6+12 in)
Weight117 kg (18 st 6 lb)
School St Patrick's College, Shorncliffe
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2019 Brisbane City 6 (0)
Super Rugby
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2020– Queensland Reds 57 (35)
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2022– Australia A 4 (0)
2024– Australia 0 (0)

Ryan Smith (born 30 September 1996) is an Australian rugby union player who plays for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. His playing position is lock.

Contents

Early life

Smith was born in Toowoomba. He moved to Caboolture, where he spent most of his early childhood before relocating to Brighton for his schooling years.

Smith started playing rugby union in 2000 for his junior club, the Caboolture Snakes. [1] He played his senior club rugby for Brothers. In his final year at St. Patrick’s, Smith was swimming captain and co-captain of the track and field team. [2] He also represented the 2013 1st XV rugby side that finished 5th overall in the AIC competition. [3]

After school, Smith began playing colts rugby and progressed into the Brothers grades program in 2015. He made his Queensland Premier Rugby debut for Brothers in 2017. [4]

Club career

2019

Having trained with the Brumbies for a short time, Smith came into the spotlight after impressing with Brisbane City in the 2019 National Rugby Championship. [5] Smith made his NRC debut in the opening round of the season on 31 August 2019, at GPS Rugby Club. [6] A late try for Smith’s side forced a thrilling 22–22 draw against the defending NRC champions, Fijian Drua. [7]

2020

The lock first featured for the Reds in a 28–19 preseason trial victory over the Waratahs in Dalby on 24 January 2020, [8] before getting a call-up to the Reds' Super Rugby side in May 2020. [9]

On 7 December 2020 it was announced that Smith had re-signed with the Reds in a deal that would see him remain at Ballymore until 2022. [10]

2021

Smith made his Super Rugby debut in Round 1 on 19 February 2021, defeating the Waratahs 41–7 at Suncorp Stadium. He entered the match as a 68th minute substitute wearing jersey #19 and became Queensland Reds player #1357. [11] Smith made his Super Rugby starting debut at lock in Round 6 against the Waratahs on 27 March 2021. [12]

On 8 May 2021, the Reds ended their ten-year championship drought and claimed the 2021 Super Rugby AU title. [13] Smith started at lock [14] in the come-from-behind, 19–16 grand final victory over the Brumbies. At Queensland’s end of season awards lunch held at Sirromet winery, Mount Cotton on 18 July 2021, Smith was named Rookie of the Year. [15]

2022

Smith scored his maiden Super Rugby try on 25 February 2022, as Queensland claimed the Bob Templeton Cup in a rain-soaked match against the Waratahs. The try proved to be the Round 2 match-winner, as the Reds held on to win 20–16, at Leichhardt Oval. [16] He went on to score two further tries in the 2022 competition, resulting in a career-best season total of three tries. [17]

The Reds announced that Smith signed a two-year extension with the club on June 29 2022. [18]

2023

Late in the first half of Queensland's second preseason trial against the Waratahs in Narrabri, Smith left the field with a shoulder injury. [19] Smith eventually returned to full fitness and equaled his 2022 haul of three tries over the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. [20]

2024

On 12 April 2024, Smith won his 50th cap for the Reds in a 17–14 loss to Moana Pasifika at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei. [21] Smith’s 50th Super Rugby cap came in his next appearance on 19 April with a dominant 31–0 win against the Highlanders. Smith scored his first try of the 2024 season only 27 minutes into his milestone match. [22] [23]

The Reds received a boost ahead of their quarter final match against the Chiefs, with Brothers pair Smith and Josh Flook re-committing for the 2025 season. [24]

Smith topped the tackle count for the Reds and made more tackles than any lock over the 2024 Super Rugby season. He finished with 207 tackles (93% success) – fourth overall behind flankers, Carlo Tizzano (240), Dalton Papali’i (208) and Billy Harmon (208). [25]

On 19 July 2024, Smith started against Wales in the final match of their 2024 Australia tour. [26] Wales entered the fixture desperate for a win, following a 2–0 Test series defeat to the Wallabies. [27] A narrow 36-35 Reds loss saw Jock Campbell become the 127th captain in Queensland history, [28] [29] with Smith filling the role of vice-captain for the first time. [30]

International career

2022

In the opening round of the 2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup on 2 July, Smith made his Australia A debut against Samoa. He received his first international yellow card in the 19th minute of the match, which Australia A went on to lose 31–26 at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji. [31] Smith’s first Australia A win came in his next match, a 32–18 victory over Fiji on 9 July at Churchill Park. [32]

Smith represented Australia A in the Asahi Super Dry Japan Rugby Challenge Series 2022: a three match series against the Japan XV. [33] He came off the bench for the series opener on 1 October at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium and started in the third and final match on 14 October at Yodoko Sakura Stadium. [34] Australia A won the series 2–1. [35]

2023

Smith earned his first Wallabies call-up after coach Eddie Jones made seven changes to a 33-man training squad due to injuries. [36] Fellow Reds team-mate Matt Faessler also received his first Wallabies call-up, joining Smith for the three-day camp starting on 17 April 2023 at Sanctuary Cove. [37]

2024

On 21 June 2024, Joe Schmidt named his first 38-man squad as Wallabies coach. [38] Smith was one of 13 uncapped players originally selected for the July Test series against Wales and Georgia. [39]

Reference list

  1. Tucker, Jim (15 March 2023). "Kids Round is a theme every Reds player can relate to". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  2. "Calling issue 35 14 november 2013". issuu. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  3. Ayton, Jordan (9 June 2013). "AIC Round 7 - Peter's deny Ashgrove at the death". Green & Gold Rugby. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  4. "Ryan Smith". www.playbook.coach. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  5. "Ryan Smith". www.ultimaterugby.com. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  6. AAP (30 August 2019). "NRC Team Hub Round One: All the teams, times and RUGBY.com.au stream details". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  7. Greenwood, Emma (31 August 2019). "NRC: Late City try forces thrilling draw with Fijian Drua". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  8. Greenwood, Emma (24 January 2020). "Reds, Waratahs sweating on player availability ahead of Super Rugby openers". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  9. Newman, Beth (25 May 2020). "The Replacements: Get to know the new Reds' faces". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  10. Unit, Reds Media (6 December 2020). "Queensland pathway trio re-sign with Reds through 2022; Moses Sorovi signs for next season". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  11. Reds Media Unit (18 July 2021). "Taniela Tupou bags back-to-back Pilecki Medals". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  12. Reds Media Unit (24 March 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds announce Round 6 team against Waratahs". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  13. Reds Media Unit (9 May 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds crowned 2021 Super Rugby AU champions with a thrilling 19-16 win over Brumbies". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  14. Reds Media Unit (5 May 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds announce Grand Final team against Brumbies". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  15. Reds Media Unit (18 July 2021). "Taniela Tupou bags back-to-back Pilecki Medals". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  16. Reds Media Unit (25 February 2022). "Reds hold on to win interstate thriller in Sydney". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  17. "Ryan SMITH profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  18. Unit, Reds Media (29 June 2022). "Ryan Smith, Connor Vest and Lopeti Faifua re-sign with Queensland Rugby". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  19. Tucker, Jim (15 February 2023). "Lock crisis at Reds a puzzler". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  20. "Ryan SMITH profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  21. Reds Media Unit (13 April 2024). "Reds fall in final 75 seconds In Whangarei to Moana Pasifika". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  22. "Stuff". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  23. Wright, Nick (19 April 2024). "Test returns beckon amid injury drama: Four things learnt from Reds' triumph". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  24. Unit, Queensland Rugby Media (3 June 2024). "Ryan Smith and Josh FLook re-sign with the Queensland Reds". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  25. "Super Rugby Stats". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  26. "Tour Match Queensland Reds vs Wales Rugby Union fixture". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  27. "Australia 36-28 Wales: Wallabies clinch series in Melbourne". BBC Sport. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  28. "Queensland Reds 35-36 Wales: Kieran Hardy try seals late win". BBC Sport. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  29. "Wallaby Jock Campbell to captain Reds in 'awesome opportunity' against Wales". www.rugbypass.com. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  30. "Socks Up: The Reds Podcast |Season 2, Episode 8: Les Kiss - Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux & Dan". omny.fm. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  31. "Pacific Nations Cup - Match report Australia A vs Samoa, le 02/07/2022". all.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  32. "Pacific Nations Cup - Match report Fiji vs Australia A, le 09/07/2022". all.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  33. Australia, Rugby (21 September 2022). "Wallabies headline Australia A squad for Japan Tour". australia.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  34. Australia, Rugby (11 October 2022). "Tuttle to skipper Australia A in final Japan XV match". australia.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  35. "Japan XV bests Australia A in 15-try thriller". www.rugbypass.com. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  36. Australia, Rugby (16 April 2023). "Wallabies make forced changes to April Camp squad". wallabies.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  37. Church, Michael (16 April 2023). "Injuries force Jones to make seven changes to Wallabies squad". Reuters. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  38. "Ex-All Black named in Schmidt's first Wallabies squad". Nine. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  39. Australia, Rugby (21 June 2024). "Wallabies squad confirmed for July Tests". wallabies.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.


Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Queensland Reds</span> Australian rugby union club, based in Brisbane

The Queensland Reds is the rugby union team for the Australian state of Queensland that competes in the Southern Hemisphere's Super Rugby competition. Prior to 1996, they were a representative team selected from the rugby union club competitions in Queensland. With the introduction of the professional Super 12 competition they moved to a model where players are contracted to the Reds through the Queensland Rugby Union rather than selected on the basis of club form.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ACT Brumbies</span> Australian rugby union team

The ACT Brumbies is an Australian professional rugby union team based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), The team competes in Super Rugby and named for the feral horses which inhabit the capital's hinterland. The team represents the ACT, as well as the Far South Coast and Southern Inland regions of New South Wales (NSW).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New South Wales Waratahs</span> Rugby Union club based in Sydney, NSW, Australia

The New South Wales Waratahs, referred to as the Waratahs, are an Australian professional rugby union team representing the majority of New South Wales in the Super Rugby competition. The Riverina and other southern parts of the state, are represented by the Brumbies, who are based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berrick Barnes</span> Australia international rugby union & league footballer

Berrick Steven Barnes is a former Australian professional rugby union footballer. His usual position is fly-half or inside centre. He is previously played with Japanese Top League clubs Panasonic Wild Knights and the Ricoh Black Rams, as well as in the Super Rugby competition with the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds. He also played for the Wallabies in international matches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Ashley-Cooper</span> Australian rugby union player

Adam Ashley-Cooper is a former Australian rugby union player who last played for the LA Giltinis of Major League Rugby (MLR). He has played in 121 matches for Australia, the third most of any Australia player at the time of his retirement. His nickname is "Mr. Versatile". He is currently the senior assistant coach for backs with the LA Giltinis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Mowen</span> Rugby player

Ben Mowen is an Australian former professional rugby union player. He was the captain of the Australia national team  and also the ACT Brumbies team in Super Rugby. He played at blindside flanker or number-eight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rugby union in Victoria</span>

Rugby union in Victoria describes the sport of rugby union being played and watched in the state of Victoria in Australia. The code was first introduced some time between the 1850s and 1880s but remained a minor sport played primarily in the private schools and amongst interstate expats. This has changed, particularly since the professionalisation of the game in the mid 1990s.

The Australian Provincial Championship, or APC was a rugby union football competition played in Australia. It was one of several provincial competitions since the late 1960s, including the Wallaby Trophy and Ricoh National Championship, that have not continued.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bernard Foley</span> Australian rugby player of Irish descent

Bernard Foley is an Australian rugby player of Irish descent. He plays professionally for the Australia national rugby team and the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby. He can cover both fullback and fly-half as well as inside centre. Foley has earned the nickname "the iceman" after successful game winning penalty goals, 2 August 2014, 18 October 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Hooper (rugby union)</span> Australian rugby union player

Michael Kent Hooper is an Australian former professional rugby union player who is the former captain of the Australia national team, the Wallabies. His primary position is openside flanker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Debreczeni</span> Rugby player

Jack Debreczeni is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a fly half for the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Petaia</span> Rugby player

Jordan Petaia is an Australian rugby professional player currently playing for the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby and for Australia in international matches. A utility back, Petaia is most often used in the centres for both club and country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Super Rugby Women's</span> Womens rugby union club competition in Australia

Super Rugby Women's is an annual professional women's rugby union club competition organised by Rugby Australia. It is contested by five clubs from Australia and one club from Fiji, who play a single series of round-robin matches to determine the four participants of a single-elimination tournament. The competition replaced the representative National Women's Championship with five teams owned by the Australian Super Rugby franchises, and began play in the 2018 season as an amateur league known as the Super W. The 2022 season saw the addition of a team from Fiji, and the introduction of salaries for players. The league adopted its current name in the 2024 season. Fijiana Drua are the current champions, while the New South Wales Waratahs have won the most championships (4).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Nawaqanitawase</span> Australian international rugby union footballer

Mark Nawaqanitawase is an Australian professional rugby union player who plays as a wing for Super Rugby club the Waratahs and the Australia national team.

The 2021 Super Rugby AU season was a professional club rugby union tournament organised by Rugby Australia. Announced on 11 November 2020, the tournament was the second season of Super Rugby AU, featuring the same 5 teams from the inaugural 2020 season, and ran from 19 February to 8 May 2021. The tournament was won by the Reds, who defeated the Brumbies 19–16 in the final at Suncorp Stadium, winning their first Super Rugby AU title, and first Super Rugby competition since 2011.

The 2023 Super W season is the sixth edition of the competition. The season kicked off on 24 March, with the final played on 6 May. In a historic first, defending champions, Fijiana Drua, got to play in front of their home crowd in Nadi against the Brumbies on 25 March.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 Queensland Reds season</span> Queensland Reds 2024 football season

The 2024 Queensland Reds season is the 28th and current Queensland Reds season in the Super Rugby since entering the professional era in 1996. In addition to the domestic competition played across the Tasman and the Pacific, the Reds will also host Wales on their tour of Australia following the conclusion of the season.