Flanker Smith quits Wallabies for move abroad
Celebrated Australian flanker George Smith announced his immediate
retirement from international rugby on Friday to pursue a move abroad.
The 110-Test veteran, 29, will quit the ACT Brumbies at the end of
the Super 14 season in May and seek a foreign club, ruling him
ineligible for the national team.
Smith said he was keen to spend more time with his family and
experience a different culture after 10 years in the Wallabies set-up.
"In light of these considerations it is my intention to explore the
opportunities to play for an international club at the conclusion of the
2010 Super 14 season," he said.
"The decision as to where I will continue my rugby career will be
made with regards to the best interests of my family and I have no
definite plans in this regard at this time."
Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill said Smith, one of only
four men to win 100 Wallabies caps, had been granted early release from
his central contract ahead of next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
Smith made his Test debut against France in 2000 and scored nine
tries for Australia. He has also made 120 appearances in the southern
hemisphere's Super 14 competition. |