Smith cleared for Brumbies; Wallabies next target
Source: Agencies |
April 19, 2013, Friday
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FORMER Australia flanker George Smith is in the frame to face the British and Irish Lions a second time after securing a contract extension with the ACT Brumbies that should pave the way for a recall to the Wallabies.
The 32-year-old, one of Australia's finest loose forwards in a glittering 110-cap career, was to head back to Japan after finishing his short-term Brumbies contract at the end of May, but his Tokyo-based club Suntory has allowed him to stay with the Canberra-based side until the end of the Super Rugby season.
"He's been given the all-clear (by Suntory) to complete the rest of the season for us," a Brumbies team spokesman announced yesterday.
Smith's brilliant form for the Brumbies, coupled with the loss of openside flanker David Pocock, should be enough for the Australian Rugby Union to ignore its usual practice of only allowing players based in Australia on long-term contracts to be eligible for selection.
The ARU declined to comment, but a Wallabies team spokesman said Australia coach Robbie Deans would be meeting with Smith after the Brumbies clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane this weekend to discuss his plans.
"I don't think there would be too many dissenting voices if he were deemed eligible," the spokesman said.
The 32-year-old, one of Australia's finest loose forwards in a glittering 110-cap career, was to head back to Japan after finishing his short-term Brumbies contract at the end of May, but his Tokyo-based club Suntory has allowed him to stay with the Canberra-based side until the end of the Super Rugby season.
"He's been given the all-clear (by Suntory) to complete the rest of the season for us," a Brumbies team spokesman announced yesterday.
Smith's brilliant form for the Brumbies, coupled with the loss of openside flanker David Pocock, should be enough for the Australian Rugby Union to ignore its usual practice of only allowing players based in Australia on long-term contracts to be eligible for selection.
The ARU declined to comment, but a Wallabies team spokesman said Australia coach Robbie Deans would be meeting with Smith after the Brumbies clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane this weekend to discuss his plans.
"I don't think there would be too many dissenting voices if he were deemed eligible," the spokesman said.
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