Lions back Smith’s remarkable rise with new deal
NEWS: Lions flyhalf Chris Smith has committed his future to the Johannesburg side, signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him in red and white until 2029.
Smith left the Bulls in July 2024 and spent the 2024-25 season with French Pro D2 side Oyonnax before returning to South Africa. Since joining the Lions in July 2025, the 32-year-old has established himself as more than a reliable provincial flyhalf, with his performances increasingly prompting calls for him to be considered for the Springboks.
At Ellis Park, Smith has mastered the art of the tactical long game. His ability to pin opposition teams back with a probing boot has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ six-match winning streak at home, while his accuracy off the tee remains among the best in the competition.
Smith finished the 2025/26 Vodacom URC season with 154 points, second overall behind Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and won him the prestigious Golden Boot Award for his goal-kicking accuracy. It was his second Golden Boot, having also claimed the honour in 2024 while playing for the Bulls.
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#OPINION: @JanDKrugby gives his take on the opening round of the URC and the impressive ‘sweep’ by the South African franchises. 👇#URC #Stormers #Sharks $Bulls #Lions https://t.co/CJ6WC73Eua
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But there is more to Smith’s game than his metronomic kicking.
The flyhalf has added a layer of attacking flair to his pragmatic approach, becoming increasingly adept at taking the ball to the line, identifying soft shoulders in defensive structures and releasing the Lions’ dangerous runners at just the right moment.
There is a growing sense that Smith has finally come into his own after spending much of his career playing second fiddle or filling the role of a back-up option.
Confidence appears to have brought out another side to his game and Smith is now embracing his “main character” tag.
The three-year extension is a significant vote of confidence from the Lions, while Smith’s recent form suggests he could have a bigger stage in his sights.
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