In an intriguing turn of events, the Kobe Steelers have announced that Ben Smith will return to the club after leaving/retiring in December 2021.
From 2009 through the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Smith made his international debut for New Zealand, appearing in 84 tests. He was a significant player of the team that won the 2015 Rugby World Cup. From 2016 to 2017, he served as the All Blacks’ vice-captain and captained the team once, against Samoa in 2017.
During his international career, he scored 39 tries for New Zealand, making him one of the all-time try scorers.
The 35-year-old usually plays as an outside back, but he has also played as a centre and halfback in the past.
He joins a slew of great international players set to compete in the Top League rugby competition next season, which will be headed by Beauden Barrett, a former All Blacks teammate.
