Aaron Smith to miss remainder of Rugby Championship

Planet Rugby

New Zealand scrum-half Aaron Smith won’t be joining the All Blacks in Australia for the remainder of this year’s Rugby Championship.

32-year-old Smith stayed in New Zealand to be with his family awaiting the birth of his second child. He will join his Manawatu Turbos team this week to train and play in the National Provincial Championship this season.

Smith is excited about turning out for the Turbos and can’t wait to get back on the field.

“There’s a silver lining here about not being with the All Blacks,” he told New Zealand Rugby’s official website. “I’m only five games short of 50 for the Turbos and excited about hopefully making that milestone.”

Baby due to be born in November

Smith said the increasing unlikelihood of getting a managed isolation and quarantine spot to return to New Zealand for the birth was the reason for staying at home. His baby isn’t due until November but he said he didn’t want to risk not being present for the birth.

“The door isn’t completely closed to me joining the team for the northern tour if our baby comes early,” added Smith.

“In this environment anything can happen so I’ve got an open mind.

“At the moment though, I just want to focus on being here with my family and enjoying that time and playing for Manawatu. I can’t wait to get the boots on again.”