Australia international Toby Smith announces retirement from professional rugby

Australia international Toby Smith has announced retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect following injuries and concussion related issues.

Smith started his professional rugby with Waikato in 2008 and made his Super Rugby debut with Chiefs in 2010. He then shifted to Rebels in 2014 before joining Hurricanes ahead of the 2018 season. Overall he has featured in over 100 Super Rugby games for all the three sides combined but decided not to renew his contract ahead of the 2020 season.

“I am making the difficult choice now to leave the game I love and that has given me so many amazing experiences and where I have made some life-long friendships,” he said.

“I have had some on-going issues with concussion, and while I am currently symptom-free, I do not wish to put that at further risk.

“I’m really grateful for the support and encouragement I have had from the Hurricanes and NZR and I now look forward to new challenges.”

The 31-year-old made his Australia debut in 2015 and has gone on to play at the international level six times with his last appearance coming in 2017. He also represented the Wallabies in the 2015 World Cup.

“Despite injuries and concussion, Toby, has been a fantastic Hurricane epitomised by his outstanding performance in his last match for us in the 2019 Investec Super Rugby semi-final," said Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree.

"We will certainly miss him but player welfare must continue to be the number one priority.”