The demands of Currie Cup rugby is a different animal to Leopards Fullback Rhyno Smith, who has steadily progressed from 2015 Varsity Cup player of the tournament to the senior Leopards squad.

Matches are mentally and physically tougher and the competition is fierce but Smith has that x-factor to make it in the big leagues – his Varsity Cup showing for NWU Pukke and performances this year for the Leopards undoubtedly prove that.

The speedy fullback with a friendly personality and big smile recently returned to his hometown of Wellington, when the Leopards demolished Boland 47-15. Smith also scored a try to increase his tally this season.

“It was great to return to the city, but it was so hot and the conditions made it tough. I believe that I can still improve on my rugby that has been on par thus far this year,” he said when questions were asked on his current performance level.

One of Smith’s biggest advantages is his speed, acceleration and tactical awareness – characteristics that are crucial for a fullback.   Smith adeptness at fullback can be attributed to him playing most of his rugby – even from school level – at fullback.

The former Paarl Boys High schoolboy’s rugby career only fully flourished when he moved to Potchefstroom to study B.Com. Human Resources (HR) after school.   “My favourite player is Gio Aplon and I even get a few tips from him from time to time, which is really cool. I also like to counter-attack like him. When I was younger, I really liked how Breyton Paulse played for WP and the Stormers,” he said.

Smith would want to play Sevens in the future as he believes his game is more suited to the running and free-flowing nature of Sevens Rugby.   “It would be an honour to play for the Blitzbokke, but in South Africa you must play where you get a chance,” he added.   According to him, professional rugby is also a very competitive arena where “You must keep working hard to make an impact every week.”

His interest in rugby started at a young age with his dad being a big influence.  “I used to love being around rugby balls at a young age and loved to kick and run with it.

We have a very rugby-passionate family,” he explained. The future looks rosy for this young rugby player who has one final piece of advice for players coming through the ranks.  “Never change who you are as a player and as a person. Play the game that you want to play.”

Interesting facts on Rhyno Smith

Favourite holiday destination: Anywhere near the beach

Food: Lamb chops

Music: Indie Rock

Top 5 fullbacks past and present: Jason Robinson, Isreal Folau, Israel Dagg, Christian Cullen and Leigh Halfpenny.

Stadium where you would like to play: Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and a packed Soccer City.