Brumbies’ Smith moves to Munster
The highly-rated midfielder/wing Smith has been heavily involved in the Canberra outfit’s challenge for the Super 15 title, where Fisher is now head coach. But Smith is out of contract at the end of the season and favoured a move to Europe with his partner and young family.
He comes to Munster as a replacement for the departing Casey Laulala on a one-year contract that apparently suits both parties, after Fisher and Larkham helped sway him in the direction of Limerick. Fisher’s first-hand knowledge of the Munster was the deciding factor in the 29-year-old deciding to move.
“Laurie Fisher has always spoken highly about the team and culture,” said Smith. “It’s definitely somewhere I want to go and make an impact, working closely with the boys and training hard. I’ve no doubt it will be a great experience and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald admitted yesterday Larkham had been consulted by both parties offering a significant input.
Smith has amassed 43 Super Rugby caps after making his debut in 2010 and his ability to play wing as well as fill the 13 jersey is a bonus Munster might appreciate in the year to come. His physical presence on the pitch has been described bizarrely on the current Brumbies site.
“A big unit standing well over 190cm, hard-tackling Smith on the rugby pitch is akin to taking down a raging warthog on the African savannah. Smith’s long stride and elusive swerve make him almost impossible to collect while his final passes always stick.”
Meanwhile, strong rumour former Munster player and a recent Cork Constitution head coach Brian Walsh is to set to join the Munster ticket as backs coach is premature speculation, according to Fitzgerald.
“There is no smoke and there is no fire. Nobody has been offered anything in that line, I can categorically state that,” said the CEO.
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