Former All Black Ben Smith comes out of retirement

Former All Black fullback Ben Smith has come out of retirement to rejoin Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Smith brought his career to an end after the 2021 Top League season with Kobe Steelers but comes out of retirement to rejoin his former employers.

The return of Smith is a welcome boost for Kobe who have struggled this season winning just two of their first eight games. Last week, Kobe also a suffered a 56-17 loss to Suntory Sungoliath.

'I am happy to be able to play at Kobelco Kobe Steelers again.' Smith told the club's website.

'I am very much looking forward to seeing our teammates and fan supporters again. I would like to perform well on the ground and contribute to the victory of the team.'

Smith is the second big recent signing for the Club with Rugby World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am joining the side on a two-month contract from the Sharks. 

Smith played his final game for the All Blacks in the third-place playoff against Wales where he scored a brace for his country taking his test try tally to 39, the 6th highest tally at the time and seven behind former All Black fullback Christian Cullen.

A Highlanders' legend, Smith represented the Super Rugby side 153 times scoring 39 tries and won the competition with the side in 2015. His incredible test career included a Rugby World Cup winners medal, six Rugby Championship trophies, seven Bledisloe Cups and a nomination for the World Player of the Year.

Smith played just 5 TOP 14 games for Pau before the season was abandoned..