LONDON – Australian great and former Wallaby great George Smith will join Wasps for the 2015-2016 season after signing the soon-to-be 35 year old from Lyon who have recently been relegated from France’s Top 14.
Smith, who will turn 35 in July, boasts 111 appearances for the Wallabies and will bring a wealth of experience to the Wasps back row where he will most likely partner English enforcer James Haskell. The Manly-born flanker will play for the Barbarians this week against Ireland as well as an England XV and falls outside the Aviva Premiership’s salary because of being awarded “marquee player” status by the London club who now play at Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young said that the club was thrilled to have a man of Smith’s experience coming to Wasps.
“George Smith is one of the greats of his generation. To be able to add a player of his international experience and quality is a real coup for Wasps.”
Smith last appeared in the green and gold in 2013 against the touring British Lions however the change to the ARU’s player contracting policy allows Smith to be eligible to play for the Wallabies in 2015.