Aaron Smith, second-best rugby union player 2021

Aaron Smith’s achievements

Aaron Smith whose full byline is Aaron Luke Smith is a rugby union player. He was born 0n 21^st November 1988 in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

His parents are Bridget Smith and Wayne Smith. He plays for New Zealand, All Blacks, in international rugby.

Smith plays at scrum-half in the team and is the most-capped scrum-half to ever play for New Zealand.

The rugby star Aaron played for the Maori All Blacks in the year 2010. He was the first selected for the All Blacks in 2012.

Aaron Smith was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team.

Aaron is celebrated for his big talent on the rugby court. He also plays for the Highlanders in Super Rugby. He is the club’s all-time leader in caps and for Manawatu in the ITM Cup.

Smith made his debut for Manawatu in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup at the age of 19.

For the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, Aaron Smith established himself as the first-choice half-black for Manawatu. He, therefore, started all 13 games over the course of the season. In addition, he scored his first representative try.

Smith signed for the Highlanders for the 2011 Super Rugby season. He was coached by Jamie Joseph, who had previously coached Smith with New Zealand Maori.

Aaron had a successful debut season. He beat out Sean Romans for the job as backup to starting half-back and All Black Jimmy Cowan. He made 12 appearances including 3 starts.

Aaron Smith’s international career

Smith made his All Blacks debut on 9^th June 2012 against Ireland. This was on the back of a successful Highlanders season.

He by the 2013 season became the first choice halfback for the national team.

“Smith has been selected for every New Zealand squad since 2013, including the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad where he started in all the knockout games. Smith became the leader of the All Blacks’ Haka in 2016, following the retirement of Keven Mealamu and Liam Messam’s decision to swap to New Zealand’s rugby 7s squad, first leading the Haka against Wales at Eden Park.”

Aaron Smith played his 50^th international test match in the final test against Wales. This was during the 2016 tour, alongside lock Brodie Retallick, with whom he debuted.

Aaron Smith’s Career continuation

Smith was retained as a regular starter into the 2017 season. He started in all three tests against the touring British & Irish Lions.

This came after he lost his place as the All Blacks’ Haka leader later in the season. The loss resulted due to off-field controversy as well as stiff competition.

Smith became the most-capped scrum-half in New Zealand’s history in the 2018 season, breaking Justin Marshall’s long-standing record on 17 November 2018. Despite the ongoing competition for his starting place through TJ Perenara, Smith was chosen to start against Ireland. Smith, during his record-breaking performance, failed to perform well, with the All Blacks losing 9-16.

Reports by New Zealand Rugby, in March 2021 indicated that Smith had signed a new contract with the All Blacks. He also signed with the Highlanders and Manawatu. This will see him stay in New Zealand until 2023.

Aaron Smith’s net worth

Being one of the best rugby players, Aaron Smith’s net worth is mouthwatering.

According to reports, in the year 2020, Luke Smith was worth between $ 1million and $5 million.

Also read: Rafael Nadal, second-most paid tennis player 2021

Aaron Smith’s salary

Not much is revealed about Aaron Smith’s salary. Several reports indicate that his salary is under review.

Aaron Smith’s family

Some reports disclose that Smith has a wife and one child. The name of the wife is Teagan Voykovich while that of the kid is Luka Fox Smith.

Aaron Smith foundation and charity work

Not much is revealed about Smith’s support to any charity or foundation.