Juan Smith, fully recovered- Yet might be lost to the Springboks

After a near two year absence from all forms of Rugby, Juan Smith has fully recovered from an Achilles injury, and is apparently close to signing a deal with French club Bayonne. English club Bath is also eager to sign the 31-year-old.

Smith was not among the nine loose forwards – Marnus Schoeman, Justin Downey, Leon Karemaker, Lappies Labuschagné, Davon Raubenheimer, Tertuis Daniller, Philip van der Walt, Heinrich Brüssow and Boom Prinsloo – recently named in the Cheetahs’ provisional 2013 Super Rugby squad.

However, coach Naka Drotské on Sunday confirmed to theVolksblad website that they are trying to convince Smith to stay on in Bloemfontein.

Business interests in Bloemfontein could play a part in Smith’s final decision.

Smith hasn’t played since he got injured playing Super Rugby for the Cheetahs against the Bulls in February 2011, while the last of his 69 Tests for the Springboks was against England at Twickenham in November 2010.

Would love to see him playing for the Boks again but, given his continuous injuries, couldn't really blame him for looking for a payday. At a stage where the next injury could be the last.

Isnt he oficially on a break from international rugby?

I don't think he will have any takers from abroad... who would give big money to a guy who has hardly played a game for 2 years and is 30+?

Great player but once the legs go, thats it I'm afraid.

Unless he's paid on a pay per game basis I don't think any medical team would pass him fit, its too much of a risk even for FRA or JPN.

Wow, Bath genuinely keen on him or just another case of a high profile player being available, therefore immediately linked to us because we are wealthy and the Gary Gold link? Back row of Louw, Fearns and Smith would be immense! Or perhaps Smith, Louw, Koster?

Had no idea he was that old, nor that he had so many caps, need to brush up on my knowledge of the boks.

Would love to see him and Schalk both play in the Bok back-row again.

baby faced thats why... he was starting No8 in the RWC03... seems like an age ago now.

Devastating that a back row of Burger - Smith - Broussouw never really worked out for long periods of time, as they are three of my favourite players

Bathite wrote:Devastating that a back row of Burger - Smith - Broussouw never really worked out for long periods of time, as they are three of my favourite players

+1

Likely to go for the bucks...why not?
Two years out of the scene is tough to come back from- especially with the age and position and he type of player he was. Hes hardly likely to be as quick, one of his strengths.Returning players from that long out are never the same- Burger will also struggle to be the same monster he was.