1
George Smith has now been fired
By Ian Cameron
Japanese Top League club Suntory have fired Wallaby great George Smith and he has also been fined by the Queensland Reds.
It emerged in January that Smith had been arrested in Japan following an incident with a taxi driver on New Year’s Eve.
Suntory have now fired him over the same incident. In a statement, the club said: "In addition to the victim and those involved, we sincerely apologize to the many people to whom we have caused trouble."
The 37-year-old had one year remaining on his contract and has been sacked despite Japan police deciding not to prosecute the Wallaby.
The Queensland Reds have also fined him as a result of his failure to inform them of the situation in Japan.
In January the Yomiuri Shimbun Daily reported that the Reds star was arrested after assaulting a taxi driver on December 31. According to the report, the assault occurred after the intoxicated Smith refused to pay the taxi fare. The driver allegedly pursued Smith for the 10,000 yen ($90) fare, who it is claimed then punched the taxi driver in the face and chest.
It was reported that he was held in custody for 18 days.
The 111 Test-capped Wallaby, was based in Tokyo at Suntory Sungoliath during Super Rugby’s off-season and denied the allegations against him.
Suntory previously confirmed his arrest in a statement. “It is true that George Smith, under contract to our rugby team, has been arrested.
We issue a heartfelt apology to the victim, as well as other related people, as well as to the many people who have worried and been caused problems by this.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to comments