(Reuters) - Australian flanker George Smith has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 38, bringing an end to a career that spanned two decades and featured 111 test appearances. "Finally the day has come where I officially announce my retirement from professional rugby," Smith said in a statement. "The dreams that I had of playing rugby professionally as a young bloke, I'm fortunate to say that I've lived them and experienced so much more during my time. Former Wallabies and Brumbies team mate Justin Harrison said Smith "inspired a whole generation of Australian rugby supporters" to play the game. A professional's professional, Smith was renowned for the remarkable work ethic that enabled him to play on for so long in such a physically wearing a sport.

Source: The Star May 21, 2019 07:01 UTC