Jean Smith lifts lid on Sharks exit and addresses Italy talks
EXCLUSIVE: Former Junior Springbok flyhalf Jean Smith has opened up about his move from the Sharks to Italian club Benetton.
Smith will leave the Durban franchise at the end of the season after five years, where he transitioned from the junior ranks to the professional setup.
The 22-year-old represented the Sharks on six occasions: four times in the United Rugby Championship and twice in the Champions Cup.
His time at the club, however, was marred by a series of injuries and limited game time.
“It’s been a tough four years, and a lot has happened,” he told Rugby365.
“It’s tough in the position I’m in at the Sharks, the competition is very strong, and it’s a bit difficult to get game time, especially if you cover one position.
“That’s why this move makes sense because I will probably get more gametime that side.
“That’s not to say I’m running away or anything because there’s talent there as well, and they pick the best players, so I will have to prove myself.”
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Smith was born in Italy and spent his early years in Treviso before moving to South Africa with his family.
He admitted that his history with the country made the transfer a “no-brainer”.
“Yes, part of the move is because I was born there. I actually played all my junior rugby until I was 10 years old at Benneton, so it’s a sentimental thing going back.
“As much as I love the Sharks, everyone walks their own path, and my path has directed me back to Benetton.
“I feel this is the right move for my career, and I’m proud of it.”
The former Grey College pupil is the son of Springbok Franco Smith, who currently serves as the head coach of the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.
He will be eligible to represent Italy under World Rugby’s regulation 8, which states that a player may represent the national team of a country they were born in.
Whilst he’d like to play for the Springboks, Smith is equally open to representing Italy.
“It’s every rugby player’s dream to play at the highest level, and I have the luxury of having two countries I can play for, which is great.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t mind. I would be very happy to wear the Italian jersey if the opportunity arises.
“But I’d love to play for the Springboks as well because both countries played a massive role in my development.
“If they offer me the opportunity in Italy, I will have to rethink and take it from there.”
The playmaker has also been keeping a close eye on the Italian side during this year’s Six Nations campaign.
“They’re playing very good rugby, and I love watching them,” he added.
“It’s a team that’s been together and building for a while now, and as you can see, the results are showing in the Six Nations.
“There’s talent there, and it’s good to see. I hope they keep it up, and if they can become a top eight team in world rugby, that would be crazy.”
Smith is still heavily involved with the Sharks and is training per usual until the end of the season.
The flyhalf wants to head to Benetton in the best shape possible and have an immediate impact on the side.
“The goal is to play as much as possible and hopefully become the number one flyhalf and lead the team to victories.
“I want to help the team and play a winning brand of rugby, because that will influence the youth, and if they see Italian rugby picking up, they’ll want to be part of it.
“I also have ambitions of playing international rugby, but there’s a lot of work to be done, and I look forward to it.”
