ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Bristol Bears show how despite having one foot out the door, legend George Smith still played his role

BY Grant Constable  ·  Monday May 20, 2019

Bristol Bears bade farewell to one of rugby’s modern greats at the weekend, as the 38-year-old George Smith played his final game.

ADVERTISEMENT

The 111-cap Wallaby arrived at Ashton Gate at the beginning of the season, and has helped Pat Lam’s team in their first season back in the Premiership. He made his last appearance in professional rugby against Newcastle, before he moves on to become coach of Japanese outfit Sungatory Goliath.

Smith may have not stolen many headlines this season, but Bristol have been keen to show what a player he has been for the club, particularly off the pitch.

Bristol Bears Academy tweeted recently how Smith continued to work tirelessly in training in his final week as a professional player. They said “Young players trying to be the best they can – Be like George!”

https://twitter.com/brfc_academy/status/1129901596358451203?s=20

They also described how much he has helped with the academy throughout his year with the club, rightfully calling him a “legend”.

https://twitter.com/brfc_academy/status/1129902574784647168?s=20

ADVERTISEMENT

While this may not be a lengthy eulogy to one of the greatest players of his generation, it is still an insight into why Smith has remained at the top for so long.

Staggeringly, Smith made his debut for the Wallabies in 2000, which is simply an unprecedented longevity in modern rugby. Despite playing 111 tests, the fact that he has played up until now is remarkable.

Smith effectively retired from international rugby in 2009, although he did come back in 2013 for a Test against the British and Irish Lions. By then, he was already the youngest player to achieve 100 caps, at the age of 29. If he continued to represent his country, there is no doubt that he could have eclipsed Richie McCaw’s caps record. Then again, he probably would not have been able to play until he was 38.

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith has been a standout player for almost every team he has ever played for. In 2015, he joined Wasps, with many unsure how much he would be able to provide. However, he went on to win the Premiership Players’ Player of the Year accolade in his first season, despite being the age of 34.

Although one of the most interesting careers of the professional era is coming to an end, Bristol have given an insight into how much he has been able to contribute to the game for so long, and perhaps why it will be a while before another player has a career so long and varied as his.

Related Articles

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Bristol Bears break 20-year record with victory...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    All Blacks star Jordie Barrett discusses...

  • 28 WEEKS AGO

    Gloucester's next 'Rees-Zammit' scores incredible...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Harlequins winger heralded as the next big England breakthrough after weekend's performance

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Huge guillotine tackle divides fans in viral footage

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans call for Stuart Hogg to face punishment after altercation involving ball boy

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Siya Kolisi makes young fans' day as he arrives at Cape Town school

View All

Funnies

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    ‘Pitch is made of concrete’ - Fan provides much needed update following half time incident

View All

Amateur

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 95 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 118 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Louis Rees-Zammit opens up about his biggest shock in chasing NFL dream

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been an honour' - Wales legend retires from international rugby

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'It's been horrible' - Wales captain to miss Autumn Nations

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    'It was an easy decision for me' - Saints star commits to future

View All