Getting To Know Andrew Smith

The Australian centre has impressed both in defence and attack so far this season having featured in all Guinness PRO12 encounters to date.

A former member of the Waratahs’ Academy system, Smith went on to win 50 Super Rugby caps for the UC Brumbies after making his debut against the Blues in 2010.

Before arriving at Munster, Smith was already familiar with some of his new team-mates as he featured for the Brumbies in their 2013 win over the British & Irish Lions. In fact, the Australian outfit became the only provincial side to defeat the Lions on tour, in a game which featured Conor Murray and Simon Zebo.

Smith was also instrumental in the first of Zebo’s hat-trick of tries against Zebre recently, and afterwards the Corkman spoke very highly of his new team-mate.

“Smithy is really coming on within the team. He understands the way we play he’s said to us that the Brumbies would have had a similar philosophy in how they play so he has fitted in very easily.

“He’s a great ball player and we’ve seen plenty evidence of that in the first couple of games. He’s getting some lovely touches in and he’s only going to get better and better.”

The Aussie made his first appearance in the famous red jersey in Munster’s win over London Irish in the 2014 SEAT Challenge at the Waterford RSC back in August, while his first competitive outing was against Edinburgh Rugby in the Guinness PRO12 at Thomond Park earlier this month.

Always strong in defence and a threat going forward it wasn’t long before the centre would cross the whitewash for Munster. Smith scored his first try for the province in the said 31-5 PRO12 win over Zebre at Thomond Park less than a fortnight ago.

Name: Andrew Smith

Favourite Food: Sushi

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: Marching Powder by Rusty Young & Thomas Mc Fadden

Favourite TV programme: An Idiot Abroad

Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption

Favourite Actor/Actress: Morgan Freeman

Most enjoyable holiday location: Hawaii

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Phone

Favourite sport other than rugby: NFL

The sport you least like: Baseball

Person you would most like to meet: Jesus

Sportsperson you admire most: Roger Federer

Hobbies: Sports, beach, music, family and mates

Where and when did you first play rugby: U6s for Lindfield, Sydney, Australia

Biggest influence on career: Parents

Best career advice you were given: Always have fun

What you like most/least about being a rugby player: Travel and mates/Injuries

Other sports that you played: Cricket and AFL

Best rugby memory: Being part of the Brumbies team that defeated the British & Irish Lions in 2013

Rugby player you admire most: Pat McCabe

Rugby team you admire most: New Zealand All blacks

Sporting event you would most like to attend: Superbowl

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Ricky Grevais and Karl Pinkington for the laughs, and
Obama for the brains and insight

If you weren’t a rugby player what would you be: Confused and bored

Place in the province where you most like chill out: on a beach or in West Cork

Have you any pre-match rituals: Pasta the night before and left wrist strapping on matchday

Favourite song or band you like to train to or listen to before a game: Anything upbeat or house music