Brumbies centre Andrew Smith confirm retirement
Brumbies was part of Brumbies side that defeated British and Irish Lions last year
©PA
Brumbies centre Andrew Smith has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
Smith made his professional rugby debut with National Rugby Championship side Central Coast Rays in 2007 and by 2010 made his debut for Super Rugby club Brumbies.
After brief stints with Munster and Montpellier in 2014 and 2015, he made a comeback to Brumbies for his second stint that began from 2016.
He was also part of the final playing side of Munster in the 2015 Pro 12 season and the Brumbies side that lost the Super Rugby final to Chiefs in the 2013 season. The 33-year-old also played a vital role in setting up a try in Brumbies' victory over British and Irish Lions in a tour game last year.
“Mentally and physically, I’ve given a lot to rugby and I just felt it was time,” he said.
“Also with my family, the timing was right to move on. I’ve loved every minute of it, now it’s time for a new path, a new direction. I might take part in some touch football, some AFL 9s maybe, Sydney will be our home, so we’ll see.”
“We love Canberra, we’ve raised three kids here, loved our time here. The support over the years has been amazing.
"So many friendly people, it’s always been great to talk to people after games, in the streets. The Brumbies community are very friendly, very knowledgeable. They’ve made my time here very special.”
