The Australian Rugby community is mourning the loss of Wallaby No. 659 Brian Smith, who passed on Wednesday aged 59.
Smith was a superb athlete who could play anywhere in the backline but was especially adept at halfback and fly half. Skilful and incredibly dedicated, especially to his training, Smith was unlucky that he arrived on the representative scene at a time that Australian rugby had the truly world class halves combination of Michael Lynagh and Nick Farr-Jones.
Born and raised in Queensland, Smith was educated at Brisbane State High School and from there represented Australian Schools.
In 1985 he made his debut for Queensland against Wellington at Athletic Park but found himself in a constant battle with Peter Slattery to secure the No.9 jersey over the next couple of seasons.
When South Korea toured Australia in 1987 national coach Alan Jones, who once described Smith as one of the most gifted players in the world, handed him a debut in the one-off Test in Brisbane.
Smith’s versatility helped him to win a place in the Australian squad for the inaugural Rugby World Cup where he played well, especially when called off the bench early in the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
Smith then left Australia for Oxford University where he won two rugby Blues (1988-89). Smith’s international career enjoyed a renaissance when he qualified to play for Ireland and went on to win a total of nine caps (1990-91).
Brian Smith played six Tests for Australia in his one-year Wallaby career.
He is survived by wife Lisa, daughters Ruby and Santana, and son Chilli.
