Loyal Matt Smith content to be an unsung hero at Leicester Tigers
Son of Leicester icon Ian ‘Dosser’ Smith, he was effectively born with stripes on his back, going through the classic Tigers finishing school at Oakham before making his first team debut in 2006.
Since then Smith has established himself as one of the Tigers most dependable performers, never taking the flash option when the simple one will do while being happy to slot in anywhere in the backline even if he is most comfortable at centre.
That selflessness comes at a cost with an England cap so far proving elusive although Ben Youngs described him as the best performer in the Premiership before the Six Nations.
And for the 26-year-old the appreciation of his teammates – he was second behind Steve Mafi in the players’ player of the year award – matters more than anything.
“It was one of the highest honours I have ever had in the game and something I will always remember,” he said.
“Your teammates are the ones that see you day-in, day-out. They know what’s going on a lot better than anyone else.
“Losing out to Steve Mafi didn’t bother me at all really, because he was a hell of a player for us last year. He scored some really important tries at crucial times – including in the final.
“I am a Leicester lad. Some players have a lot of England caps but never win the Premiership – Jonny Wilkinson has always said how he wishes he managed to win more silverware in his career.
“I have been brought up in the Leicester way though, and I’d like to think that some of the younger guys look up to me to see how things are done.
“Tigers are definitely a completely different place to any other club – there is a certain culture.
“It’s probably a bit different now than when dad was around, but being brought up at the club has definitely made me aware of that culture from an early age.
“I have been here since the age of 16, so I know that culture pretty well now. I am not young any more, as people keep reminding me.”
After his best ever season in a Tigers shirt, comprising 23 starts, Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill felt Smith merited closer inspection by England – but the call never came and he accepts that might always be the case.
With Manu Tuilagi back to full fitness Smith may also struggle to nail down the No.13 shirt as regularly as he did last season, but whatever knocks he takes he maintains his priorities will always put the team before individual glory.
He added: “I’d prefer to play in the centre, I have always said that. But if it is a choice between not playing and being out on the wing, obviously I’d choose to be out on the pitch.
“I have to be realistic and know that if Manu is there, he is going to play. It might be a bit sad, but I just love playing for Leicester and I am prepared to wait for those opportunities.
“Richard Cockerill has always said that your international reputation comes second to how you are playing and training for Leicester.
“Everyone wants to play for England, and you never know what is around the corner. Stuart Lancaster has made it clear that he has certain players that he wants to pick, and at the moment it is obvious that I am not part of that.
“You never know what could happen though – there are stories like when Ayoola Erinle was at Leicester and got a call-up at the age of 29 or 30 after a good season.”
CHARLIE MORGAN
