Wallabies prop Angus Bell has led a classy tribute for Wallaby #659 Brian Smith, who passed away during the week, aged 59.
Smith played six games for the Wallabies between 1987-88 and is recognised as the only person to play for both the Wallabies and Ireland.
His career spanned several countries and codes, with the playmaker impacting the game just as a coach for Wallabies players like Bell.
"He was my coach in GPS and New South Wales twos. I was 16 and fair to say that I wouldn't have played anywhere near as good without him," Bell told reporters.
"Jeremy Williams, Will Harris and I were really close with him, and he was a great bloke, a great father, a great coach. Very sad."
Smith represented Australian Schools in 1983, going on to play for Australia U21 in 1985.
He'd win his first Test cap in a 65-18 win over South Korea in 1987, scoring 17 points on debut.
Smith was selected for his first World Cup that year, playing in four matches, including a quarter-final win over Ireland.
The Queenslander left Australia for Oxford, where he won two Rugby Blues, eventually pulling on the Irish jersey in 1990-91.
A decorated coaching career would follow, including stints as the English attack coach and as the Director of Rugby at London Irish.
Smith returned home shortly afterwards, taking a job as the Director of Rugby and Assistant Director of Sports at Scots, moulding a future generation of Wallabies.
This included coaching the GPS representative team, guiding players like Bell into who they are today.
His son, Chilli Tonelli-Smith, is currently following in his footsteps at Nudgee College, kicking the winning drop goal against South African powerhouse Grey's College in April.
"He coached a lot of us coming through the grades and just want to say it's a really sad time and we're wishing the best for his wife and kids," Bell said.
"He was an avid rugby person and helped a lot of individuals in the squad so just sending my condolences from the Wallabies and both myself."
