Brumbies Sign Rookie Back
Rookie Smith joins Brumbies for 2010
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Brumbies Media Unit
The Brumbies have filled the last of their outside back positions with Andrew Smith joining the squad on a one-year rookie contract for 2010.
The Northern Suburbs utility back joined the Brumbies for their recent four-match French Tour and, after several excellent performances, was awarded Best Back for the tour and finished second – behind Pat McCabe – in the Player of the Tour poll.
Smith, who can play outside centre, wing and fullback, has previously represented the Australian Under 19’s and Australian Sevens squads in 2004 and was a member of the NSW Professional Academy in 2008.
The 24-year-old says he’s looking forward to becoming a Brumby in 2010.
“I’m very excited about next year,” he said. “There’s been a lot of talk about the potential at the Brumbies and I’m excited about being part of that success as well as joining great players like Rocky [Elsom], Stirling [Mortlock] and Matt Giteau in the squad.
“I tasted a bit of professional football at the Waratahs [Academy] last year and it was a goal of mine to work my way into a Super 14 squad. While Norths are struggling a bit this year I’ve tried to be more dominant and consistent in my footy, which I think I’ve done.
“I was hoping to use this season to be knocking on the door for a contract, I was fortunate enough to be selected for the [ Brumbies French] tour and the next goal is to play Super 14 rugby.
“I felt very comfortable playing under Andy Friend and the Brumbies coaching structures while we were in France. I also had the opportunity to train in Canberra for a few days leading into the tour and I was impressed with the set-up and I’m just looking forward to starting next season.”
Smith joins a Brumbies outside back arsenal that already includes Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper, McCabe, Francis Fainifo, Alfi Mafi and Australian Under 20’s representative Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Head Coach Andy Friend says Smith’s signing adds to the significant depth within his backline ranks leading into the 2010 Investec Super 14 season.
“Andrew’s certainly got all the attributes to make it at the Super 14 level and I’d have no hesitation in using him next season,” he said. “He’s got excellent size and power, he’s got a good rugby brain and reads the game well and runs good lines, but he’s also got an aggressive edge and doesn’t shy away from the physical stuff.
“His form for Norths this season has been very impressive and he only enhanced his reputation with his performances in France.
“He fitted into the squad extremely well – it was hand in glove stuff. He’s the sort of player who gets on with things, works hard and trains hard and is very professional in his approach to his rugby.”
Smith joins flanker Henry Vanderglas as the two rookie contracted players for 2010.
Andrew Smith
Position: Outside Back
Physical: 1.94m, 106kg
Age: 10.01.1985, Sydney
State Caps: 4
State Points: 5 (1t)
State Debut: 2009 v CS Bourgoin-Jallieu
Super 14 Caps: -
Super 14 Points: -
Super 14 Debut: -
