25/04/2025 10:11
The Ospreys have confirmed the signing of highly sought-after Queensland Reds lock Ryan Smith, who will join the team ahead of the 2025/26 season. Smith, a towering 6'6" forward, has been a standout for the Reds, earning recognition for both his leadership and on-field contributions.
Smith has made 69 appearances for the Queensland Reds and was recently included in Joe Schmidt's 38-man Wallabies training squad. He has also represented Australia A in six games, further solidifying his credentials. Known for his tireless work ethic and strong defensive skills, he has been one of the most efficient tacklers in Super Rugby Pacific this season, with a completion rate of 92%.
Reflecting on his move, Smith said, "I'm extremely grateful for my time at the Queensland Reds and for everyone at the club that has played a part in my development to this point. It's important for me to repay that by giving my all until the end of the season and leaving on a high note.
“There is a great opportunity here for me to test myself in a new environment, which is always a challenge, but that is something that drives me as a player and person. It's an exciting time to be joining the Ospreys, they're playing some really attractive rugby under Mark Jones and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."
Ospreys Head Coach Mark Jones expressed his excitement about the signing, saying,
"Signing Ryan is a real coup for the Ospreys but it's also evidence of the progress we are making as a club. Ryan has all the physical attributes needed to be a top Ospreys player, and he's shown some real X-factor capabilities that we feel can have a positive influence on the all-court game we're striving to play.
“When the opportunity arises to sign a quality impact player on both sides of the ball, you have to take it, so I'm really happy the club has managed to get this one over the line. There's also an excellent opportunity here for our younger locks to benefit from training alongside an experienced player who comes from a different playing background, which will be a massive benefit for their development in the long-term."
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