Smith eyes Euro transfer but Munster move not on

AUSTRALIAN rugby legend George Smith will be playing in the northern hemisphere next season, but a move to Munster has been ruled out.

Smith has been linked with the Irish province at various intervals over the last 18 months and confirmed yesterday he will be playing in Europe at least for one season, but has yet to reveal where.

However, he won’t be signing for the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup champions because Munster have already reached their allowed quota of five non-Irish eligible overseas players following the acquisitions of centre Sammy Tuitupou from Worcester, and Wian du Preez, who returns from South Africa.

The 110-times capped Wallaby flanker, in Limerick this week to prepare for tomorrow night’s friendly between the Barbarians and Ireland at Thomond Park, is said to be headed for Japan on a five-year contract early in 2011, but in the meantime has negotiated with a number of European clubs willing to sign him on a short-term contract.

A Munster Branch source confirmed previous talks with Smith. The spokesperson said: “We were keen to sign him and we know he was keen to come here, but he could obviously not have turned down the Japanese, who offer huge money to get the people they want.

“We’re now in a position where we can’t add overseas players – those not eligible to play for Ireland – to our squad, at least not for the present; it’s a pity because George would have been a great signing.”

Smith will play alongside Munster’s Alan Quinlan in a Barbarians back row that also features Kiwi international star Xavier Rush.

Already he has enjoyed off-field time in the company of Quinlan and Paul Warwick, who plays full-back tomorrow night, describing them as “excellent, top class guys,” while adding: “Playing for the Barbarians is something special. I was over here to feature against the All Blacks last year and we had a nice win. This has been an enjoyable tour and there is a good camaraderie with the Munster boys, I’m really enjoying the time we’re having.”

Although Smith may be bound for another European club before moving to Japan, he holds Irish rugby, and the players he has encountered over the years, in particularly high esteem.

“It’s always exciting when the Irish come to Australia, because there are so many Irish Australians out there, and they (Irish) get such great support. I’ve always liked the Irish style; very tough up front, with a quality lineout, exciting backs and a great number 10. They, the current team particularly, are pretty much the finished article.”

Not content to warn Brian O’Driscoll about what to expect before Ireland’s departure down under to New Zealand and Australia on Saturday, Smith has tipped the Wallabies to reach a peak in time for the World Cup next year – the two counties have been drawn in the same pool.

“The games this summer will be very interesting; I think the Wallabies have been building up to the 2011 tournament very well, they have found some real young stars and given them the game time, the experience that will be required come the World Cup. I think we now have an incredibly well-balanced side with high quality performers in key positions that can make the difference in tight matches, amongst them Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper, Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom.”