Ex-Wallabies and Ireland back Brian Smith passes away aged 59
Brian Smith has passed away at the age of 59
Former Wallabies and Ireland back and England assistant coach Brian Smith has passed away at the age of 59.
Smith won six Test caps for Australia in 1987, before going on to play nine times for Ireland during his studies at Oxford University. He also had a spell in rugby league, representing Balmain Tigers and Eastern Suburbs in the NRL.
Brian Smith passes away aged 59
Following his retirement from the professional game, Smith moved into coaching. His first coaching post came in Australia with the Brumbies, before joining English outfit Bath.
Smith then moved to London Irish in 2005, taking the Exiles to the European Challenge Cup final in 2006 and later the Heineken Cup semi-finals in 2008. His tenure at London Irish caught the attention of England boss Martin Johnson, who drafted Smith into his wider ticket as attack coach until the 2011 World Cup.
After leaving his post with the national team, Smith returned to London Irish as director of rugby, where he remained until 2015 before returning to Australia to take up a role as assistant director of sport at Scots College in Sydney.
During his tenure at Scots, he coached a number of future Wallabies players, including current prop Angus Bell.
“He was coaching at the Scots school and coached a lot of us coming through the grades,” Bell told reporters.
“I just wanted to say it’s a really sad time, and we’re wishing the best for his wife and kids.
“He was an avid rugby person and helped a lot of individuals in the squad and in the Wallabies today. Just sending my condolences.
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“He was my coach in GPS and New South Wales 2s (second-team); I was 16 and fair to say I wouldn’t have played anywhere near as good without him. Me, Jeremy Williams and Will Harris from the (Western) Force were really close with him.
“He was a great bloke, a great father and a great coach.”
In a statement posted on social media, the Wallabies added: “The Wallabies, Rugby Australia and the entire Australian Rugby community is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wallaby #659 Brian Smith.
“Smith represented Brisbane State High School and Australian Schools before making his debut for the Queensland Reds against Wellington in 1985. He played six tests for the Wallabies.
“May he rest in peace.”
On the news of his passing, the IRFU said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former out-half Brian Smith following a short illness.
“Capped nine times for Ireland, he also represented Australia and had a long and illustrious career as a player and coach.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”