29 Apr 2010

Smith almost certainly plays last match for Brumbies

6:41 pm on 29 April 2010

The former Wallabies flanker George Smith has almost certainly played his last Super 14 rugby match for the Brumbies.

Smith, the most capped Wallabies forward in history, announced his retirement from international rugby earlier this season, and now it seems injury will force his exit from Super rugby.

The 29-year-old hasn't played since round six against the Blues in March when he suffered nerve damage in his left shoulder.

While he has been desperate to get back on the field, and has been putting in a lot of work in the gym and keeping his fitness up, coaching and medical staff remain doubtful about his prospects.

He was released from his contracts with the Australian Rugby Union and the Brumbies earlier this year and is likely to pursue a career overseas, possibly in Japan.