1
All Blacks vice-captain Smith to take sabbatical
By Peter Thompson
Ben Smith's agent has confirmed the New Zealand vice-captain will start a four-month sabbatical after the Bledisloe Cup clashes with Australia next month.
It was reported following the British and Irish Lions series that Smith had triggered a clause in his contract which enables the Highlanders full-back to take a break from rugby.
The 31-year-old's representative, Warren Alcock, has revealed Smith is set take four months off after the second Rugby Championship encounter with the Wallabies in Dunedin on August 26.
"Contractually he's on sabbatical now," Alcock told NZME. "As soon as Super Rugby finished he was entitled to take it.
"He has decided to make himself available for the two Bledisloe games because he has missed some rugby this year.
"The expectation is he will start his sabbatical after those two games."
Smith, who was linked with a move overseas before signing a new contract with New Zealand Rugby until 2020 back in February, only played in the first Test against the Lions due to an ear problem.
The influential All Blacks stalwart returned for the Highlanders' Super Rugby quarter-final loss to the Crusaders last weekend.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
3
Exclusive RugbyPass interview: Toulon co-captain David Ribbans
4
Exclusive interview: Northampton's Matt Ferguson
5
Latest Comments
The prem games this season have mainly been great to watch , with the exception of Sale. So boring and predictable.
Let's have more of Bristol, Bath , Quins etc style of play.
Rugby needs expansive play to put more bums on seats . Not the dirge of rolling forward mauls constantly trying to bully their way over the line.
It has its place yes to draw the defence but the fans want to see more running rugby . Not win at any cost and sod the entertainment .
Go to commentsSo Borthwick should drop Marcus Smith? He's the odd one out, forcing the rest of the English backline into a gameplay they don't know. Replacing him with Fin or Ford makes everyone more likely to succeed.
Go to comments