Former Brumbies and Wallabies flanker George Smith will return to the capital on a short-term contract during the 2013 season.
Smith will be joining the Canberra franchise on a three-month contract during the Japanese off-season. He has a release from his club the Suntory Sungoliaths after they won the All-Japan title 36-20 over Kobe on the weekend, and he could start training with the Brumbies as soon as next week before their match with arch rivals, the NSW Waratahs.
Smith’s last game for the Brumbies was against the Crusaders in Christchurch back in 2010. Since then he has played in France and Japan with stints with Toulon and Stade Français in the interim.
The signing of Smith fills the last roster position for the Brumbies who suffered a blow when back-rower Ita Vaea was ruled out for the season with blood clots. It will create competition among the forward pack that already boasts one of the world’s best openside flankers in David Pocock.
The addition of Smith could see him snare the Brett Robinson Medal, awarded for the for Best and Fairest, for a record ninth time [and the G&GR Player of the Year award for a record second time! – Ed.].
