Friday Round-Up

Conrad confirms move: All Black legend Conrad Smith has confirmed his exit from New Zealand rugby immediately after the climax of this year’s showpiece event, the Rugby World Cup in England. Smith, who has arguably been one of the game’s finest exponents in the 13 jersey over the past ten years, has agreed a two year deal with French outfit Pau. Having firmly established himself as one of the All Blacks’ key players, even earning a sabbatical from the game during last year, Smith will join the French ProD2 side at the end of what will be his 12th season of playing professional rugby in New Zealand. According to Smith himself, the primary motivation behind his move lay in spending more time with his family as both a husband and a father to his children. While Smith’s influence on the filed is well known, his background in law has also enabled him to make an impact beyond the 80 minutes of gametime, playing a crucial hand in shaping the current environment for professional rugby players across New Zealand and beyond. Smith will link up with his new teammates, including former Munster man James Coughlan, following the close of the 2015 World Cup.

Sharks crowned champs: Billed as the Battle of the Hemispheres, Super Rugby side the Sharks overcame reigning French and European champions Toulon, 12-10 in a tense encounter at Stade Felix Mayol. Played out in difficult weather conditions, it was the home side who made much of the early running but failed to make their possession or territory count for anything significant, while the visitors’ flyhalf, Pat Lambie, took his opportunities from the tee with a plomb. A David Smith try ensured the home crowd remained in the game at half time with the scoreline at 9-5 in favour of the South African outfit. The second period continued in much the same vein, with Toulon monopolising the ball and the Sharks proving more clinical on the scoreboard. This time however, the home side took the lead through a second try for Smith, before Fred Zalinga knocked over the winning penalty 8 minutes from the time for the travelling South Africans.

Ryan Sheady