MY ACCOUNT
Aaron Smith will play no further part in the Rugby Championship as the New Zealand scrum-half awaits the birth of his second child.
Smith started both victories over Australia at Eden Park last month but did not travel to face them in Perth at the start of September and was absent for last weekend’s 39-0 win over Argentina.
The playmaker will also miss the upcoming clash with the Pumas and back-to-back showdowns with world champions South Africa, as he did not want to risk missing the arrival of his second child, which is due in November.
Smith will stay at home, with no guarantees he would secure a managed isolation space if he had to fly home earlier than expected.
The 32-year-old will instead play for Manawatu in the Bunnings Cup.
Smith could also miss the All Blacks’ tour of the United States and Europe.
He said: “The door isn’t completely closed to me joining the team for the Northern Tour if our baby comes early.
“In this environment anything can happen, so I’ve got an open mind. At the moment though, I just want to focus on being here with my family and enjoying that time and playing for Manawatu. I can’t wait to get the boots on again.”
TJ Perenara and Brad Weber will battle it out for New Zealand’s number nine shirt in the absence of Smith.
