Ben Smith

Born on June 1, 1986, in Dunedin, Otago, Ben Smith established himself as a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby. His early career saw him play halfback for King’s High School from 2002 to 2004, where his team achieved significant success. In 2005, he spent a gap year in England playing for Old Colstonians before returning to New Zealand to help his Green Island club return to the Premier grade in 2006. Smith debuted for Otago in 2007 and then for the Highlanders in 2009, making an immediate impact. He earned his first selection for the All Blacks in 2009, despite initial media underestimation, marking the beginning of a remarkable international career. He represented New Zealand in rugby sevens, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal in Delhi in 2010.

Smith’s professional career was characterized by consistent performance and adaptability across various positions, primarily fullback and wing. He played 84 Tests for the All Blacks, scoring 40 tries, and was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team. His tenure with the Highlanders included 153 appearances and a Super Rugby championship in 2015, where he served as co-captain. He was recognized for his reliability, earning the nickname ‘Ben from Accounts.’ After a highly successful period in New Zealand, Smith moved to play overseas, joining Section Paloise in France in 2019 and then the Kobelco Steelers in Japan in 2021, before announcing his retirement from playing in 2022.

Following his retirement from professional play, Smith transitioned into rugby management. He forked the Otago NPC Squad during the 2022 NPC season and subsequently joined the Highlanders’ management team for the 2023 season as an advisor. In this role, he focused on developing the back three’s counterattack strategies, leveraging his extensive playing experience and deep understanding of the game. His career progression demonstrates a commitment to rugby, both on and off the field, contributing to team success and player development.