David Smith
Full names: David John
Date of birth: 9 Nov 1957
Place of birth: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
School: Hamilton
Springbok no: 507
Springbok debut province: Rhodesia
Physical: 1.85m, 88.0kg
Current age: 67
Test summary: Tests: 4 Tries: 0
First Test: 31 May 1980 Age 22 - Inside Centre against Britain at Newlands, Cape Town
Last Test: 12 Jul 1980 Age 22 - Inside Centre against Britain at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Test history:
DateAgePositionOpponentVenueResultScoreProvince
31 May 1980 22Inside Centre Britain Newlands, Cape Town Win: 26-22  Rhodesia
14 Jun 1980 22Inside Centre Britain Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Win: 26-19  Rhodesia
28 Jun 1980 22Inside Centre Britain Boet Erasmus, Port Elizabeth Win: 12-10  Rhodesia
12 Jul 1980 22Inside Centre Britain Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria Lose: 13-17  Rhodesia

David Smith: ChatGPT

David John Smith was born on 9 November 1957 in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and attended Hamilton High School, a proud rugby institution that produced several outstanding players from the region. A tall, elegant midfielder with a keen rugby intellect, Smith possessed the rare combination of physical presence, timing, and composure that made him a natural at inside centre.

He represented Rhodesia at provincial level, where his balanced running style, strong defence, and accurate passing set him apart. Playing against South Africa’s strongest unions in the Currie Cup gave him invaluable experience and brought him to the attention of national selectors at a time when Rhodesian players were eligible for Springbok selection. His performances for the Rhodesian side earned widespread respect, particularly for his calm authority under pressure and his ability to bring outside backs into play.

In 1980, Smith achieved the pinnacle of any player’s dream when he was selected to represent the Springboks in the historic four-Test series against the touring British Lions. He made his debut on 31 May at Newlands in Cape Town and played in all four Tests of the series, partnering the mercurial Willie du Plessis in the midfield. The Springboks won the series 3 - 1, marking a triumphant return to form for South African rugby, and Smith’s steady performances in the centre contributed significantly to that success.

After the Lions tour, Smith continued to play top-level rugby for Rhodesia, later representing the region as it transitioned into Zimbabwean rugby. Though his international career was confined to that single series, he left an indelible mark as a calm, dependable presence in one of South Africa’s most memorable Test victories.

David Smith remains remembered as one of the finest players to emerge from Rhodesian rugby - a thoughtful and composed centre whose contribution to Springbok rugby reflected both the depth of talent in the region and the enduring strength of the ties between Rhodesian and South African rugby during that era.