Queensland Reds score coup with flanker Smith's signing

Flanker George Smith on Friday signed with Australian Super Rugby side Queensland Reds in a major coup that allows the veteran to also continue playing club rugby in Japan.

The 35-year-old is one of the Wallabies' greatest-ever flankers with 111 Test caps having also won two Super Rugby titles with the Brumbies.

The Reds said Smith would join for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, while juggling stints with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's Top League.

"The body feels great and the experience in England has been outstanding," said Smith, who made his Super Rugby debut in 2000 and is coming off a stellar season in the English Premiership with London Wasps.

"I'm really looking forward to playing Super Rugby again. I want to make a positive difference wherever I go and I feel I can do this with the Reds."

The Reds have already secured the services of Wallaby skipper Stephen Moore and flanker Leroy Houston for 2017.

"George is one of the greats of the modern game. He is still one of the best number sevens in the world," Queensland Rugby Union executive general manager Daniel Herbert said.

"He just took out the Rugby Players Association Players Player award in England and helped lift Wasps to an English Premiership semi-final this season.

"George will be the best possible mentor to our young group and our emerging back-rowers."
Source :AFP