Juan Smith
South Africa
player portrait
Full name Juanne Hugo Smith
Born July 30, 1981, Bloemfontein
Current age 42 years 242 days
Major teams Cheetahs, Free State, Toulon, South Africa
Position Flanker
Height 6 ft 5 in
Weight 249 lb

Test career
Span Mat Start Sub Pts Tries Conv Pens Drop Won Lost Draw %
All Tests 2003-2014 70 65 5 60 12 0 0 0 49 21 0 70
IRB Rugby World Cup 2003-2007 11 10 1 25 5 0 0 0 9 2 0 81.81
The Rugby Championship 2003-2014 27 27 0 5 1 0 0 0 13 14 0 48.14

Career statistics
Test debut South Africa v Scotland at Durban, Jun 7, 2003 match details
Last Test Argentina v South Africa at Salta, Aug 23, 2014 match details
Test Statsguru Main menu | Career summary | Match list | Most points | Most tries | Tournament list
Profile

One of South Africa's most consistent forwards, his all-round play made him a regular fixture in the back-row alongside Schalk Burger and Danie Rossouw during the Springboks' march to the 2007 Rugby World Cup crown. His blonde looks and durable physicality have led to many comparisons to another Springbok from Bloemfontein in Andre Venter.

Smith made his debut for South Africa as a replacement in the 29-25 victory over Scotland in Durban in 2003. His first taste of Rugby World Cup action came later in 2003 when he played in four games at a tournament where South Africa lost in the quarter-finals to New Zealand.

Smith played only once for South Africa in the 2004 season before regaining his regular position in the 2005 campaign, which also brought success for the Free State Cheetahs as their Currie Cup team secured the title with a narrow win over the Blue Bulls.

He captained the Cheetahs in 2006, which was the first year the provincial team had been accepted into the expanded Super 14 tournament. He notched his 50th cap for South Africa when he played in the Tri-Nations match against New Zealand at Newlands in August 2008, a match which was also marked by the 100th appearance of fullback Percy Montgomery.

In 2009, he played all three Tests for South Africa against the British & Irish Lions as the Springboks won the series 2-1, before helping them on their way to the Tri-Nations title. A succession of injuries plus the death of his father ruled him out of international action for almost a year, with his return coming against New Zealand in Soweto in August 2010.

Injury woe struck again in 2011 with surgery on his Achilles tendon sidelining him for much of the Super Rugby season. He fought back in the hope of playing a part in the Springboks' defence of the World Cup in New Zealand but had to admit defeat in his battle for fitness.

An Achilles injury continued to plague him over the next year or so and after four operations failed to resolve the problem he was forced to announce his retirement from the game at the beginning of 2013. But he made a shock return to playing later in the year with French side Toulon who handed him a one-year deal after he passed their medical checks.

Latest Articles
Leinster out as strong second-half showing gives Toulon victory (Dec 19, 2015) Springboks start Juan Smith against Pumas (Aug 21, 2014) Juan Smith called up by Springboks (Aug 6, 2014) Juan Smith on verge of Springboks return (Jul 23, 2014) England are risking 'big mistake' over Armitage (Apr 27, 2014) Juan Smith news and articles (40) »
Latest Photos
Dec 19, 2015
Juan Smith carries the ball for Toulon against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
Juan Smith carries the ball for Toulon against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
©  Getty Images
Oct 25, 2014
Toulon's South African flanker Juan Smith goes on the rampage against Ulster.
Toulon's South African flanker Juan Smith goes on the rampage against Ulster.
©  Getty Images
Aug 23, 2014
South Africa's Juan Smith lines up for the anthem
South Africa's Juan Smith lines up for the anthem
©  Getty Images
May 24, 2014
Saracens' Dave Strettle is sandwiched by Toulon's Mathieu Bastareaud and Juan Smith
Saracens' Dave Strettle is sandwiched by Toulon's Mathieu Bastareaud and Juan Smith
©  Getty Images
Juan Smith rugby photos (32) »

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