Ben says 'no francs' to France offer

In the end it probably worked out better than even New Zealand Rugby had hoped. A month ago it seemed Otago's Ben Smith was as good as gone.

French club Pau had made a monster offer, he and his family were said to be keen to go and NZ Rugby had admitted it was not in the same ballpark to match the French money.

But things change - minds switch, doubts emerge, people mull - and late yesterday, in a press release, it was confirmed the Highlanders co-captain and All Blacks vice-captain had signed with New Zealand Rugby, the Highlanders and Otago until 2020.

No-one thought the deal would go that long.

Smith becomes the first New Zealand rugby player signed until that year. By then he could well be a 100-test cap player.

The 30-year-old put a short video on social media yesterday announcing his decision.

That is the way of the world these days - although we do not all live our lives in a social media bubble - as Smith admitted it had been a lengthy deliberation before deciding he would stay at home.

''It's been an interesting few months as we have worked through what was best for my family and career over the next few years.

''In the end we are happy with our decision to stay in New Zealand,'' Smith said.

''Obviously, the All Blacks, the Highlanders and Otago are three teams that I really enjoy playing for, and I'm pretty excited about a few of the opportunities and challenges we'll have over the next few seasons.''

Built into the contract is the opportunity to have a break and he can also cut short the deal and give it away after the next World Cup in 2019 in Japan.

Though it did not match the French offer, NZ Rugby is believed to have thrown a lot of cash at Smith.

A new broadcasting deal has given the union more money and it would be sensible to put it the way of one of its best and most popular players.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen

Smith, whose wife, Katie, is expecting their second child this year, is happy in Dunedin and comfortable at home. There are plenty of babysitters.

It is a long way from France for grandparents and Smith genuinely likes playing for the Highlanders and living in Dunedin.

Pau may be nice on a fine day and the rugby not that hard but it is not test rugby, which is the aspiration for many.

Money was never a great motivator for Smith, so it did not solely come down to cash.

Playing at the top and testing yourself against the best is hard to turn down. He is having fun playing for the best team in the world.

Sure, he may have won everything the game offers, but there are always new goals.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he was delighted Smith had committed long-term to New Zealand.

''To have the most consistent player in world rugby re-signing is great news for New Zealand rugby and a real credit to our game. It's a real confidence booster for us to keep a player of this calibre in our country and we now look forward with excitement knowing that our vice-captain is going to be with us through to 2020,'' Hansen said.

''Obviously, it's taken a wee while to reach an agreement, but good things take time.''

Smith came back to training with the Highlanders this week and will play his ninth season for the franchise this year, when he should become the most capped Highlander, overtaking Anton Oliver (127 games).

Smith made his debut in 2009, has played 120 games for the franchise and scored 138 points. He also made his debut for the All Blacks in 2009 and has now scored 27 tries in 60 tests.

 

 

Comments

Francs for the memory. We are French sans sou La table. We have the Eure, ewer, Euro!