Tom Smith has this evening been announced as the new Forwards Coach at Cardiff Blues.
- Having confirmed he was leaving the Region at the end of last month, Smith has now been confirmed as the new Forwards Coach at Cardiff Blues ahead of next season
- Played 94 times for the Ospreys before retiring due to injury, since when he has worked as part of the development coaching team at Llandarcy
- Coached the Anglo Welsh and British & Irish teams in recent seasons
- Tom has "served the Ospreys with distinction over the last 15 years, as player and coach"
Smith’s exit from the Region he has served as player and coach was publicly confirmed last month at the end of season dinner at the Liberty Stadium, with his destination now confirmed.
He played 94 times for the Ospreys between 2007 and 2013, picking up Celtic League winners medals in 2010 and 2012, retiring in October 2015 following two years on the sidelines with a serious knee ligament injury. Since hanging up his boots Smith has focused on his coaching, working within the development structure at the Region, including spells coaching the Anglo-Welsh and B&I Cup teams,
“It is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye to my home region after 15 long years” said Smith.
“From the academy to a senior player, and then into a coaching role, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the club, and that is down to the people I have met and friends made along the way. I now look forward to a new challenge with the Blues, and am excited of the opportunity to become their Forwards Coach.
“I’d like to thank the Ospreys for their support over the years, especially during some of the tougher times through injury, and for the opportunity given after retirement to begin my coaching career.
“A part of me will always remain at the Ospreys and I hope I’ve managed to give something back to the region where I have grown up. Good luck for the future and I look forward to our battles next season.”
Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager, wished Smith the best of luck for the future, saying:
“Tom is someone who has served the Ospreys with distinction over the last 15 years, as player and coach, and is someone who has certainly left his mark as he has developed as a coach in our environment.
“He has an opportunity to further his career at the Blues and we both thank Tom for his services as an Osprey and wish him all the best in his new position. He knows there will always be a warm welcome here for him whenever he returns.”