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Ryan Smith (rugby union, born 1996)

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Ryan Smith
Birth nameRyan Smith
Date of birth (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 28)
Place of birthToowoomba, Queensland, Australia
Height1.99 m (6 ft 6+1⁄2 in)
Weight117 kg (18 st 6 lb)
SchoolSt Patrick's College, Shorncliffe
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2019 Brisbane City 6 (0)
2020–2025 Queensland Reds 70 (40)
2025– Ospreys 0 (0)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022–2024 Australia A 6 (0)

Ryan Smith (born 30 September 1996) is an Australian rugby union player for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. His playing position is lock. Smith has served as both vice-captain and captain for the Reds. He has also represented Australia A, where he held the role of vice-captain.

Early life

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Born in Toowoomba, Smith moved to Caboolture during his early childhood before relocating to Brighton for his schooling years.

Smith began playing rugby union in 2000 with his junior club, the Caboolture Snakes.[1] He later played senior club rugby for Brothers. During his final year at St. Patrick’s, Smith was swimming captain and co-captain of the track and field team.[2][3] He also represented the 2013 1st XV rugby side that finished fifth overall in the AIC competition.[4]

After finishing school, Smith joined the Brothers colts program and progressed into the grades system in 2015. He made his Queensland Premier Rugby debut for Brothers in 2017. [5]

Club career

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2019

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Having trained with the Brumbies for a short time, Smith came into the spotlight after impressing with Brisbane City in the 2019 National Rugby Championship.[6] Smith made his NRC debut in the opening round of the season on 31 August 2019, at GPS Rugby Club.[7] A late try for Smith’s side forced a thrilling 22–22 draw against the defending NRC champions, Fijian Drua.[8]

2020

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The lock first featured for the Reds in a 28–19 preseason trial victory over the Waratahs in Dalby on 24 January 2020,[9] before getting a call-up to the Reds' Super Rugby side in May 2020.[10]

On 7 December 2020 it was announced that Smith had re-signed with the Reds in a deal that would see him remain at Ballymore until 2022.[11]

2021

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Smith made his Super Rugby debut in Round 1 on 19 February 2021, defeating the Waratahs 41–7 at Suncorp Stadium. He entered the match as a 68th minute substitute wearing jersey #19 and became Queensland Reds player #1357.[12] Smith made his Super Rugby starting debut at lock in Round 6 against the Waratahs on 27 March 2021.[13]

On 8 May 2021, the Reds ended their ten-year championship drought and claimed the 2021 Super Rugby AU title.[14] Smith started at lock[15] in the come-from-behind, 19–16 grand final victory over the Brumbies. At Queensland’s end of season awards lunch held at Sirromet winery, Mount Cotton on 18 July 2021, Smith was named Rookie of the Year.[16]

2022

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Smith scored his maiden Super Rugby try on 25 February 2022, as Queensland claimed the Bob Templeton Cup in a rain-soaked match against the Waratahs. The try proved to be the Round 2 match-winner, as the Reds held on to win 20–16, at Leichhardt Oval.[17] He went on to score two further tries in the 2022 competition, resulting in a career-best season total of three tries.[18]

Building on his early career success, Smith won the 2022 "Spirit of the Reds" award.[19] The Reds announced that Smith signed a two-year extension with the club on June 29 2022.[20]

2023

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Late in the first half of Queensland's second preseason trial against the Waratahs in Narrabri, Smith left the field with a shoulder injury.[21] Smith eventually returned to full fitness and equaled his 2022 haul of three tries over the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.[22] His first try of the season was also the opening try of the match on March 5 2023, in a dominant performance against the Western Force during the Super Round.[23] The Reds' 71–20 victory set a new record for the most points scored in Queensland Super Rugby history.[24]

2024

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On 12 April 2024, Smith earned his 50th cap for the Reds in a 17–14 loss to Moana Pasifika at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.[25] In his next appearance on 19 April, he celebrated his 50th Super Rugby cap by scoring his first try of the 2024 season just 27 minutes into a dominant 31–0 victory over the Highlanders.[26][27]

Ahead of their quarter-final against the Chiefs, the Reds received a boost as Smith and fellow Brothers junior Josh Flook re-committed for the 2025 season.[28]

Smith made the most tackles for the Reds in the 2024 Super Rugby season, recording more tackles than any other lock in the competition. He completed 207 tackles with a 93% success rate, ranking fourth overall behind flankers, Carlo Tizzano (240), Dalton Papali’i (208) and Billy Harmon (208).[29]

On 19 July 2024, Smith started against Wales in the final match of their 2024 Australia tour.[30] Wales entered the fixture desperate for a win, following a 2–0 Test series defeat to the Wallabies.[31] A narrow 36-35 Reds loss saw Jock Campbell become the 127th captain in Queensland history,[32][33] with Smith filling the role of vice-captain for the first time.[34]

Smith was selected as captain for the Reds two-game tour of Japan against the Saitama Wild Knights at Kumagaya Rugby Ground.[35] He scored in the opening match, an uncapped trial against the Saitama Wild Knights, contributing to a 59–29 victory.[36][37] On 4 November 2024, Smith officially became the 128th Reds captain. He opened the scoring as his side secured a 42–28 victory and retained the Queensland-Saitama Shield.[38][39]

2025

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The Reds played their first match of the 2025 season after a bye in Round 1, defeating Moana Pasifika 56–36 at home.[40] Smith scored his eighth professional try in the match and dedicated it to his firstborn with a post-try celebration, facing the crowd and cradling his arms.[41][42]

On 29 March 2025, Smith captained the Reds for the first time in a Super Rugby match.[43][44] He led the team to a 28–24 victory over the Force[45] in the absence of Wallabies trio Harry Wilson (rested), Fraser McReight (rested), and Liam Wright (injured). Usual co-captain Tate McDermott returned via the bench and scored the decisive try, securing top spot on the Super Rugby ladder for the first time in 13 years.[46][47]

On 23 April 2025, it was announced that Smith would depart the Reds to join the Ospreys on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025–26 United Rugby Championship season.[48][49]

Super Rugby statistics

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As of 27 April 2025:[50]
Season Team Apps Start Sub Mins T Pts YC RC
2021 Reds 14 8 6 536 0 0 0 0
2022 Reds 15 12 3 1034 3 15 0 0
2023 Reds 14 10 4 777 3 15 1 0
2024 Reds 15 14 1 1067 1 5 0 0
2025 Reds 8 6 2 388 1 5 1 0
Total 66 50 16 3802 8 40 2 0

International career

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2022

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In the opening round of the 2022 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup on 2 July, Smith made his Australia A debut against Samoa. He received his first international yellow card in the 19th minute of the match, which Australia A went on to lose 31–26 at ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji.[51] Smith’s first Australia A win came in his next match, a 32–18 victory over Fiji on 9 July at Churchill Park.[52]

Smith represented Australia A in the Asahi Super Dry Japan Rugby Challenge Series 2022: a three match series against the Japan XV.[53] He came off the bench for the series opener on 1 October at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium and started in the third and final match on 14 October at Yodoko Sakura Stadium.[54] Australia A won the series 2–1.[55]

2023

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Smith earned his first Wallabies call-up after coach Eddie Jones made seven changes to a 33-man training squad due to injuries.[56] He joined the national side for a three-day training camp held at Sanctuary Cove beginning on 17 April 2023.[57]

2024

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On 21 June 2024, Joe Schmidt named his first 38-man squad as Wallabies coach.[58] Smith was one of 13 uncapped players originally selected for the July Test series against Wales and Georgia.[59]

Following the Reds' two-game tour of Japan, Smith joined Rod Seib's Australia XV squad for their two-game UK Tour.[60][61] Smith started the opening match on 8 November 2024, from the bench after playing for Queensland just four days prior.[62] The Australians were held to a 10–10 error-strewn draw against the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate.[63] Smith vice-captained Australia XV for the first time on 17 November 2024 in a 38–17 loss to England A at Twickenham Stoop.[64][65]


Media

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Smith hosted the Queensland Reds' official podcast, "Socks Up with Ryan Smith," which ran for two seasons from 2023 to 2024.[66] Produced in partnership with Triple M, the podcast featured a guest before each home game—often a fellow Reds player—and offered fans behind-the-scenes access, exclusive news, and player insights.

Season 1 aired in 2023, with the first episode released on February 22 and featuring Australian Wallabies captain Harry Wilson as the inaugural guest.[67]

Season 2 premiered on February 22, 2024. Fellow Reds player Matt Faessler joined as co-host in Episode 2, which featured Cormac Daly and was released on March 8, 2024.[68]

References

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  1. ^ Tucker, Jim (15 March 2023). "Kids Round is a theme every Reds player can relate to". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  2. ^ Wallace, Eddie (5 June 2024). "AIC Graduates Making an Impact for Queensland Reds!". AIC Sport. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Calling issue 35 14 november 2013". issuu. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  4. ^ Ayton, Jordan (9 June 2013). "AIC Round 7 - Peter's deny Ashgrove at the death". Green & Gold Rugby. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Ryan Smith". www.playbook.coach. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Ryan Smith". www.ultimaterugby.com. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  7. ^ AAP (30 August 2019). "NRC Team Hub Round One: All the teams, times and RUGBY.com.au stream details". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  8. ^ Greenwood, Emma (31 August 2019). "NRC: Late City try forces thrilling draw with Fijian Drua". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  9. ^ Greenwood, Emma (24 January 2020). "Reds, Waratahs sweating on player availability ahead of Super Rugby openers". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  10. ^ Newman, Beth (25 May 2020). "The Replacements: Get to know the new Reds' faces". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  11. ^ Unit, Reds Media (6 December 2020). "Queensland pathway trio re-sign with Reds through 2022; Moses Sorovi signs for next season". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  12. ^ Reds Media Unit (18 July 2021). "Taniela Tupou bags back-to-back Pilecki Medals". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  13. ^ Reds Media Unit (24 March 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds announce Round 6 team against Waratahs". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  14. ^ Reds Media Unit (9 May 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds crowned 2021 Super Rugby AU champions with a thrilling 19-16 win over Brumbies". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  15. ^ Reds Media Unit (5 May 2021). "St.George Queensland Reds announce Grand Final team against Brumbies". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  16. ^ Reds Media Unit (18 July 2021). "Taniela Tupou bags back-to-back Pilecki Medals". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  17. ^ Reds Media Unit (25 February 2022). "Reds hold on to win interstate thriller in Sydney". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Ryan SMITH profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  19. ^ Unit, Reds Media (9 June 2022). "Harry Wilson wins 2022 Pilecki Medal". reds.rugby. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  20. ^ Unit, Reds Media (29 June 2022). "Ryan Smith, Connor Vest and Lopeti Faifua re-sign with Queensland Rugby". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  21. ^ Tucker, Jim (15 February 2023). "Lock crisis at Reds a puzzler". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  22. ^ "Ryan SMITH profile and stats". all.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  23. ^ "Reds roll Western Force to cap rugby's Super Round". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  24. ^ Tucker, Jim (5 March 2023). "Reds score most points in Queensland Super Rugby history in stunning Super Round win". reds.rugby. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  25. ^ Reds Media Unit (13 April 2024). "Reds fall in final 75 seconds In Whangarei to Moana Pasifika". reds.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Stuff". www.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  27. ^ Wright, Nick (19 April 2024). "Test returns beckon amid injury drama: Four things learnt from Reds' triumph". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  28. ^ Unit, Queensland Rugby Media (3 June 2024). "Ryan Smith and Josh FLook re-sign with the Queensland Reds". reds.rugby. Retrieved 22 July 2024.
  29. ^ "Super Rugby Stats". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Tour Match Queensland Reds vs Wales Rugby Union fixture". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  31. ^ "Australia 36-28 Wales: Wallabies clinch series in Melbourne". BBC Sport. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  32. ^ "Queensland Reds 35-36 Wales: Kieran Hardy try seals late win". BBC Sport. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  33. ^ "Wallaby Jock Campbell to captain Reds in 'awesome opportunity' against Wales". www.rugbypass.com. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  34. ^ "Socks Up: The Reds Podcast |Season 2, Episode 8: Les Kiss - Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux & Dan". omny.fm. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  35. ^ Unit, Reds Media (22 October 2024). "Queensland Reds Name Tour Squad to Face Wild Knights in Japan". qld.rugby. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  36. ^ Unit, Reds Media (27 October 2024). "Reds Run In Nine Tries in Trial Match Against Wild Knights in Japan". reds.rugby. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  37. ^ Unit, Reds Media (27 October 2024). "Reds Run In Nine Tries in Trial Match Against Wild Knights in Japan". reds.rugby. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  38. ^ Unit, Reds Media (3 November 2024). "LIVE: Queensland Reds v Wild Knights - Ryan Smith's Captaincy Honour". qld.rugby. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  39. ^ Williamson, Nathan (4 November 2024). "Lynagh sends selectors message, Aubrey dazzles in Reds' win over Wild Knights". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
  40. ^ "Impressive Reds open season in style with Super win". Super Rugby Pacific. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  41. ^ "Rugby Database: Ryan Smith Player Profile & Stats". www.rugbydatabase.co.nz. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  42. ^ Rugby.com.au (21 February 2025). Ryan Smith Try v Moana Pasifika | SRP 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025 – via YouTube.
  43. ^ "Ryan Smith to lead Reds against Force after historic Highlanders win". www.rugbypass.com. 25 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  44. ^ Grey, Lachie (26 March 2025). "Reds unveil new skipper as Force welcome Wallabies ace for derby comeback". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  45. ^ Williamson, Nathan (29 March 2025). "Reds proud of resilience as Queensland achieves 13-year first". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
  46. ^ Unit, Reds Media (29 March 2025). "Reds Head Super Rugby Table For First Time Since 2012". qld.rugby. Retrieved 29 March 2025.
  47. ^ Grey, Lachie (26 March 2025). "Reds unveil new skipper as Force welcome Wallabies ace for derby comeback". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  48. ^ "Ryan Smith to join Ospreys ahead of 25/26 season | Ospreys". www.ospreysrugby.com. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  49. ^ "Ryan Smith: Queensland Reds lock to join Ospreys for next season". BBC Sport. 23 April 2025. Retrieved 26 April 2025.
  50. ^ "Player Statistics". All.Rugby. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  51. ^ "Pacific Nations Cup - Match report Australia A vs Samoa, le 02/07/2022". all.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  52. ^ "Pacific Nations Cup - Match report Fiji vs Australia A, le 09/07/2022". all.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  53. ^ Australia, Rugby (21 September 2022). "Wallabies headline Australia A squad for Japan Tour". australia.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  54. ^ Australia, Rugby (11 October 2022). "Tuttle to skipper Australia A in final Japan XV match". australia.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  55. ^ "Japan XV bests Australia A in 15-try thriller". www.rugbypass.com. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  56. ^ Australia, Rugby (16 April 2023). "Wallabies make forced changes to April Camp squad". wallabies.rugby. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  57. ^ Church, Michael (16 April 2023). "Injuries force Jones to make seven changes to Wallabies squad". Reuters. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  58. ^ "Ex-All Black named in Schmidt's first Wallabies squad". Nine. 21 June 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  59. ^ Australia, Rugby (21 June 2024). "Wallabies squad confirmed for July Tests". wallabies.rugby. Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  60. ^ Grey, Lachlan (22 October 2024). "Wallabies, Australia XV squads named for Grand Slam, UK Spring Tours". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  61. ^ Grey, Lachlan (23 October 2024). "Dual international junior called up, seven Australia XV tourists named in Reds' Japan squad". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  62. ^ Australia, Rugby (6 November 2024). "Swain to lead Australia XV, Stewart to start at flyhalf against Bristol". wallabies.rugby. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  63. ^ Thorne, Ben; Evely, John (8 November 2024). "Bristol Bears and Australia XV fail to rise to the occasion in error-strewn draw". Bristol Live. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  64. ^ Grey, Lachlan (17 November 2024). "Final flurry sees England A run out 38-17 victors over Australia XV". www.rugby.com.au. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  65. ^ "Australia XV make mass changes to First XV for clash with England A". www.rugbypass.com. 14 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  66. ^ "Socks Up with Ryan Smith and Matt Faessler". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  67. ^ Smith, Socks Up with Ryan (22 February 2023). "Episode 1 – Harry Wilson – Socks Up with Ryan Smith – Podcast". Podtail. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  68. ^ "Season 2, Episode 2: Cormac Daly by Socks Up with Ryan Smith and Matt Faessler". Spotify for Creators. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
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