Brian Smith Obituary, Death – Former Ireland International and Rugby Coach Dies at 59

Former Ireland international Brian Smith, a talented rugby union player who later became a respected coach, has died from cancer at the age of 59.

Smith enjoyed a distinguished playing career that crossed both rugby union and rugby league. Born in Queensland, Australia, he represented the Wallabies at the 1987 Rugby World Cup and earned six international caps for Australia.

He later moved to Europe to study at Oxford while continuing his rugby career. Smith went on to represent Ireland, earning nine Test caps and establishing himself as a versatile back capable of playing both scrum-half and outhalf.

In 1991, Smith made a major transition to rugby league after former Australia coach Alan Jones persuaded him to join the Balmain Tigers in Sydney. He continued his playing career in the 13-a-side code before eventually moving into coaching.

Following his retirement as a player, Smith returned to rugby union and developed a career on the coaching side of the sport. From 2008 to 2011, he worked as an assistant coach under England head coach Martin Johnson.

Smith later served as director of rugby at London Irish before returning to Australia. His most recent role was as head of sport at Scots College, a private school in Sydney, where he continued to influence young athletes through his experience and knowledge of the game.

Scots College confirmed his death on Wednesday, prompting tributes from members of the rugby community.

Wallabies prop Angus Bell, who had been coached by Smith as a teenager, paid tribute to his former coach before a Wallabies news conference. Bell described Smith as a great person, father and coach, while acknowledging the significant influence he had on his development.

Smith’s death marks the loss of a figure who made his mark across international rugby, professional coaching and youth development.

He is remembered for a career that spanned multiple countries, two codes of rugby and several generations of players.