Conrad Smith facts for kids
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Smith in 2021
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| Birth name | Conrad Gerard Smith | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 12 October 1981 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Hāwera, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.86 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 95 kg (209 lb; 14 st 13 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Francis Douglas Memorial College | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Victoria University of Wellington | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Conrad Gerard Smith, born on October 12, 1981, is a famous New Zealand rugby union player and coach. He mostly played as a 'centre' on the field. He led the Hurricanes team in Super Rugby. Conrad also played for the New Zealand national team from 2004 to 2015. He helped the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup twice, in 2011 and 2015!
After the 2015 World Cup, he stopped playing for New Zealand. He then played for a French team called Pau. He retired from playing rugby in 2018. After retiring, he became a defence coach for Pau. Later, he became the club's High Performance Manager. In 2021, he moved back to New Zealand. He still works for International Rugby Players, an organization based in Dublin.
Contents
Conrad Smith's Early Life and Education
Conrad Smith grew up playing rugby in the Taranaki area. He played for many age group teams there. He went to St Joseph's Catholic School. Then he attended Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth.
Besides rugby, Conrad was also very good at cricket. He was known as a fast bowler. His nickname "Snakey" came from his amazing fielding skills. His coach said he moved like a snake! After high school, he moved to Wellington. There, he studied law at Victoria University of Wellington. He even became a lawyer in New Zealand.
Conrad Smith's Club Rugby Career
Conrad Smith spent most of his playing career with the Hurricanes. This team plays in the Super Rugby competition. He also played for Wellington in the ITM Cup. He first played for Wellington in 2003. The Hurricanes signed him in 2004.
Conrad faced some injuries during his time with the Hurricanes. He was injured in 2006, 2007, and 2011. Because of this, he only played 66 games in his first eight seasons. He became the Hurricanes captain in 2007. He led the team until the end of the 2015 season. In 2015, he announced that the 2015 Super Rugby season would be his last. He decided to join a French team called Pau for two years. He played his first game for Pau in December 2015.
Conrad Smith's International Rugby Career
Conrad Smith made his debut for the All Blacks (New Zealand's national team) in 2004. He was 22 years old. This was a very fast rise for him, as he had only started playing professionally a year before. His first game was against Italy.
In 2006, he joined the All Blacks for their tour to Europe. This was impressive because he had broken his leg earlier that year. In 2007, he had more injuries. But he worked hard to get back into the starting team. By 2008, he was the top choice for the centre position for the All Blacks.
Winning the Rugby World Cup
Conrad was a key player in the 2011 Rugby World Cup winning team. He played in the final match against France. This game was held in Auckland, New Zealand.
In 2013, Conrad Smith and his teammate Ma'a Nonu made history. They played their 50th international game together against Argentina. This was a record for a midfield partnership.
Conrad took a six-month break from rugby in 2013. He did not travel with the All Blacks to Japan and Europe.
In 2015, Conrad was chosen for New Zealand's Rugby World Cup team again. The All Blacks won this tournament too! Conrad played a very important role. He started in all six matches. After this tournament, he retired from international rugby. He was one of six senior players who retired then. Other famous players included Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock, and captain Richie McCaw.
Conrad Smith's Work Off the Field
Conrad Smith is also involved in the New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA). He is a player representative on their board. In 2015, he and Richie McCaw were chosen to represent New Zealand. They joined a group of 48 players from around the world. This group advises the International Rugby Players Association (IRPA).
Conrad Smith's Personal Life
Conrad Smith married Leanne Snowdon in October 2013. In August 2014, Conrad missed a test match in Sydney. He was there for the birth of their first child, a boy.
Conrad Smith's Achievements and Awards
Conrad Smith has received many awards and honours throughout his career.
Personal Awards
- Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to rugby (2016)
- Steinlager Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year
- Wellington Sportsperson of the Year
- The Dominion Post Personality of the Year
- Record Midfield Partnerships (with Ma'a Nonu)
Hurricanes Team Honours
- Hurricanes Captain
- Super Rugby Centurion (played 100 games)
- Most Capped Hurricanes Player (with Ma'a Nonu)
- Conference Winner 2015
New Zealand Team Honours
- Tri Nations/The Rugby Championship Champion: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
- British and Irish Lions Series Victory: 2005
- Home Nations Grand Slam Tour: 2005, 2008, 2010
- Rugby World Cup Winner: 2011, 2015
See also
In Spanish: Conrad Smith para niños
