The Ospreys have announced a deal for Australian second-row Ryan Smith to replace Adam Beard
The Ospreys have announced the signing of Queensland Reds second-row Ryan Smith as a replacement for departing Wales international Adam Beard.
The club confirmed earlier on Wednesday that 58-cap second-row Beard would be leaving at the end of the season to take up an opportunity abroad. And now the Ospreys have revealed that Smith, who has played six times for Australia A and has been part of the Wallabies’ training squads, will be heading to Swansea ahead of next season.
Mark Jones will be hoping that the 28-year-old can replace Beard’s leadership credentials, with the Wales lock set to head to France. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Smith has captained the Reds on occasion in Super Rugby this season – which is no mean feat given Les Kiss has three Wallaby captains on his books in Brisbane.
Liam Wright, Tate McDermott and Harry Wilson have all skippered Australia, but, in their absence, Smith was trusted to lead the Reds in their win over the Western Force last month.
Previously, he was vice-captain when the Reds took on Wales in Brisbane last summer, while he also captained the Super Rugby outfit in their tour of Japan last year.
“I’m extremely grateful for my time at the Queensland Reds and for everyone at the club that has played a part in my development to this point,” said Smith.
“It’s important for me to repay that by giving my all until the end of the season and leaving on a high note.
“There is a great opportunity here for me to test myself in a new environment, which is always a challenge, but that is something that drives me as a player and person.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the Ospreys, they’re playing some really attractive rugby under Mark Jones and I’m looking forward to being a part of that.”
The Ospreys had previously targeted 10-cap Wallabies back-row Tom Hooper in terms of a signing from down under. However, the 24-year-old, who can also play in the second-row, opted to join Exeter from the Brumbies.
However, in Smith, the Ospreys have got their man.
During his time in Ballymore, Smith has made 69 appearances for the Reds, earning a place in Joe Schmidt’s 38-man Australia training squad last June.
This season has seen him mark himself out as one of Super Rugby Pacific’s most efficient tacklers, boasting a 92 per cent completion rate.
“Signing Ryan is a real coup for the Ospreys but it’s also evidence of the progress we are making as a club,” said Ospreys head coach Jones.
“Ryan has all the physical attributes needed to be a top Ospreys player, and he’s shown some real X-factor capabilities that we feel can have a positive influence on the all-court game we’re striving to play.
“When the opportunity arises to sign a quality impact player on both sides of the ball, you have to take it, so I’m really happy the club has managed to get this one over the line.
“There’s also an excellent opportunity here for our younger locks to benefit from training alongside an experienced player who comes from a different playing background, which will be a massive benefit for their development in the long-term.”
