Waratahs announce signing of props Ruan Smith and Archer Holz
Ruan Smith and Archer Holz has signed one-year deal with Waratahs
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Waratahs have announced the signing of props Ruan Smith and Archer Holz ahead of the 2022 season of Super Rugby Pacific.
Born in South Africa, Smith has a wide experience of playing in Super Rugby in a career spanning across eight years playing for Western Force, Brumbies, Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.
The 31-year-old recently was part of Major Rugby League side LA Giltinis and now will be part of the inaugural edition of Super Rugby Pacific.
“DC (Darren Coleman) called me and asked if I was interested in playing for the Waratahs and told me I had a lot to offer the group,” Smith said to the official website of the club.
“Playing for Waratahs is a massive opportunity, it’s the biggest team in Australia.
"We’ve got a great young team and even though I bring a lot of experience I think they’ll offer just as much for me as I will for them. Being around these young guys gives you a lot of energy and makes me feel a lot younger than I am.”
Meanwhile, Holz grew up in Lighting Ridge before attending The King's School, Parramatta where he played in the 1st XV. He was named in the Brumbies squad for the 2021 and went on to make his debut for them in the round 4 clash against Queensland Reds.
“Last year watching from the outside it felt like a tough year, but the group looked like they stayed incredibly tight and after speaking to DC (Darren Coleman) and Pauli (Taumoepeau) it sounded like a group that I wanted to be part of," said Holz.
“I’m really excited about the program the coaches have put together and feel it’s the best place for me to develop as a player.”
