Champion Wallaby flanker George Smith has signed a two-year deal with rising French second division side Lyon, the ProD2 club announced on Friday.
The international stalwart, who won 110 caps for Australia, signs from Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath as the 33-year-old winds down his illustrious playing career.
Smith won three Super Rugby titles with the Brumbies and was also in the Wallabies side that lost the 2003 World Cup final in extra-time against England in Sydney.
He was voted Australia’s player of the year on three occasions, in 2000, 2001 and 2004, and now returns to France after previous spells at Top 14 clubs Toulon (2010-11) and capital outfit Stade Francais (2012).
“We are delighted to welcome a player of the calibre of George Smith,” beamed Lyon club president Yann Roubert.
“We are counting on his talent, his experience and his leadership to help the team in its progression and to meet the ambitions of the club.”
Lyon currently lead the second flight by 11 points and are in prime position for promotion to the Top 14.
The team has also been bolstered by the recent signing of New Zealander prop Hoani Tui, who joined from English club Exeter Chiefs.
Mike
Guest
I suggest we have to be careful about looking at the past through rose-coloured specs. Deans in his first year (2008) gave Smith more starts than John Connolly had done in 2007. And yes, we were successful, and Smith played very well. In his second year (2009) Deans continued, giving Smith the start in every test in mid-year series and tri-nations. But we were hammered in the tri-nations. We lost all three tests to NZ, and two out of three to SA. Of course that wasn't the fault of one player, but to suggest the Wallaby record was always good when he was playing is simply not correct. On the end of year series, Deans gave equal time to the new young gun David Pocock, and to Smith. I do not see how he can be faulted for doing that – the harsh truth is that Smith had not shown any particular dominance over his two chief adversaries in 2009, Richie McCaw and Heinrich Brussow. At the beginning of 2010, Smith announced that he was no longer available for the Wallabies. Now that was his decision, but the idea that he was forced out by Deans is a myth – Deans had every right to give Pocock starts in the 2009 end of year series, but he still gave Smith starts and there is no reason to think he wouldn't have continued to keep Smith in the running. But Smith would have had to fight for his spot in 2010 if he had stayed.
Magic Sponge
Guest
The brumbies needed him tonight
Magic Sponge
Guest
Yeah agree RP, I could never understand why Deans never utilised GSMith. It was bizarre he never rated GS, good point.
RPollock
Guest
George has to have been one of the best flankers Australia has produced. Rarely had a bad game and very effective. No coincidence Wallabies record was good when he was playing. Incredible that Deans didn't rate him.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Great buy , kill em George.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Tired of those mercenaries from the SH taking the job from honest French (or at least EU) workers!!! (Translation in SH conservative & one eyed roarer language: 'tired of those blo*dy French clubs luring the nice, philanthropic and usually incorruptible SH players". yep, much better like this!)
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
'Smith won three Super Rugby titles with the Brumbies'. Almost :(
atlas
Guest
"New Zealander prop Hoani Tui" who? 2 matches for Wellington Lions 2007, selected for NZ Maori same year (2 matches) worthwhile additions to his CV and off to Italy then UK for 5 seasons with Exeter Chiefs and leaving for Lyon on a "$ offer he couldn't refuse" - same way they got All Black Sevens player Toby Arnold this season (2yr contract - "gave up the Olympic dream for some financial assurance") as well as anothe NZ Sevens rep and former Blues utility back Lachie Munro. Lyon squad according to wiki includes 3 from Fiji, 1 Romania, 3 SA, 2 Georgia, 2 Cameroon, 2 Argentina, 2 Tonga, 1 Kenya and now GS, one Australia. Great opportunities pro rugby offers a player willing to travel the world.