Dick Smith biography

Versatile Auckland back Dick Smith played one Test for New Zealand against the 1932 English tourists.The long-serving Devonport United/North Shore Albions player was called up for the series opener after some impressive trial performances, chosen on the wing as a replacement for originally selected West Coaster Peter Hart.Smith, inexperienced on the wing, was overlooked for the second Test after a quiet debut in a 24-9 loss at Carlaw Park. He would play at stand-off for a New Zealand XIII that was trounced 59-8 by England in Wellington later in the tour.He remained a fixture on the Auckland club scene until 1941, returning to North Shore after spending the 1936 season with Newton Rangers.Younger brother Jack was a Kiwi tourist in 1938 and '39.