Smith commits to Rebels

 

Loosehead prop Smith joined the Club from the Chiefs ahead of the 2014 season and has firmly ensconced himself as one of Australian Rugby's top loosehead props.

 

"I am really excited to re-sign here in Melbourne, especially with so many of my teammates doing the same," Smith said. 

 

"We are a tight group of guys with a lot of us living away from home, but to be part of the Rebels family for another couple of years is really exciting.

 

"The younger guys are gaining more experience, and the longer that this group can stay together the more beneficial it will be for the club on and off the field. 

 

"To stay here and be a part of that future is something that I am really looking forward to."

 

Smith paid credit to the coaching and support staff  at the Rebels, as he continues to push himself towards future international recognition.

 

"The culture that we are building here is really positive; we have a fantastic coaching team and strength and conditioning staff, and the program in place has everything that we need." Smith added.

 

"We have to take advantage of what is in front of us and improve as individuals and as a team.

 

"I moved to Australia two years ago with the aim of one day being selected for the Wallabies and I still have that ambition and those aspirations. 

 

"I think Melbourne is the right place to continue to try and achieve that major goal."

 

26-year-old Smith has been capped 21 times by the Rebels since returning to the nation of his birth and reached 50 Super Rugby caps in Pretoria against the Bulls last year, and his retention is yet another important piece of the puzzle in Tony McGahan’s plans for the Club moving forward.

 

McGahan echoed Smith’s excitement that his future would be here in Melbourne.

 

"Toby [Smith] has been a very important player for us from day one since he moved to Melbourne," McGahan said. 

 

"His continued improvement with his scrummaging, along with his massive contribution around the field with his general skills, makes Toby a key contributor for the team going forward.

 

Following the contract extensions signed by Smith and centre Mitch Inman last week, the Rebels have now secured the signings of 23 players until at least the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season.