Pau lifestyle, family sway Conrad Smith to France

AFP/ParisAll Blacks centre Conrad Smith has signed up for French second division leaders Pau, becoming the third New Zealand player to switch to France after this year’s World Cup. The 33-year-old, the most-capped All Blacks centre with 85 games, said lifestyle and family swayed his decision. He had decided this would be his last year playing in New Zealand and was looking at a possible future outside rugby when the Pau offer came along. “I do my research and I don’t make decisions lightly, so I’ve spent a lot of time talking to the people involved with the club,” Smith said. “I still haven’t been there, but it sounds promising and that is why I have decided to join them. “It is a cool place. I’ve had some family who have spent some time there and I’ve spoken to some of the players and there is a bit going on.” Smith, who has scored 25 Test tries and was a member of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, penned a two-year deal. The current Hurricanes captain will join compatriot and former Hurricanes player Simon Mannix who coaches the ambitious south-western club. Pau are well-placed for promotion to the Top 14, boasting a 14-point lead over their Pro D2 rivals. Smith said that becoming a father last year played a significant part in his decision. “I have loved my time in the All Blacks, I wouldn’t change a thing, but it does require a lot of time away from home and that wasn’t a sacrifice I was willing to carry on making, so that is why we looked at something else,” he said. “One was to do some more study at one of the universities in Europe, another was to play, and another was to do something else, something separate outside of rugby.” Smith said he wanted “to spend more time as a husband and father, which was the main motivation for me when I made the decision”. All Blacks star fly-half Dan Carter has already said he will quit New Zealand rugby after the September 18-October 31 World Cup in England. He has signed a three-year contract with Racing Metro while fellow centre Ma’a Nonu will play two seasons at champions Toulon. Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu are the only senior All Blacks yet to confirm their post-World Cup futures. “On behalf of the All Blacks, I want to publicly acknowledge the outstanding contribution Conrad has made—and continues to make—to the All Blacks,” said New Zealand coach Steve Hansen. “He is a world-class player and leader in our team and we look forward to that continuing this season. We in the All Blacks wish both Conrad and his wife all the very best for their new adventures next season.”