ACT Brumbies centre Andrew Smith will quit Australian rugby at the end of the year after deciding to end his Super Rugby career and sign a deal with Irish club Munster.
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Smith, 29, has signed a one-year deal to join Munster at the end of the Brumbies' campaign. It ends a five-year stint in Canberra and the hard-running outside-centre is determined to leave with a Super Rugby title.
Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher is a former Munster assistant coach.
"I'm really looking forward to joining Munster and making the most of the opportunity," Smith said.
"Laurie Fisher has always spoken highly about the team and culture. It's somewhere I want to go and make an impact, working closely with the boys and training hard. I've got no doubt it will be a great experience."
Smith has been forced to bide his time on the Brumbies' bench after Fijian powerhouse Tevita Kuridrani cemented a place at outside-centre. Injuries in the past two seasons have crippled Smith's bid to chase a Wallabies jersey and hold on to a regular starting spot for the Brumbies. He has played 43 Super Rugby games and will start from the bench against the Canterbury Crusaders on Saturday.
Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald said: "We look forward to welcoming Andrew when he arrives at the end of his Super 15 commitments with the Brumbies. We are delighted to have secured the services of a player of his calibre for next season."
