Former rugby player and coach Brian Smith dies at 59

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 8:10 AM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Former rugby player and coach Brian Smith dies at 59
Summary

Brian Smith, a former international rugby player for Australia and Ireland, has died at the age of 59. Smith played as a half-back, earning five caps for the Wallabies before switching allegiance to Ireland. He had a notable coaching career, including a stint as an assistant coach for England’s national team during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Recently, he served as head of sport at Scots College in Sydney, where he was remembered fondly by the school's principal and former players. Smith had been battling aggressive cancer in recent months.

Source Links
By the Numbers
  • Brian Smith died on August 12, 2026, at age 59.
  • He earned five caps with Australia before playing for Ireland.
  • Smith coached England during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
  • He was head of sport at Scots College in Sydney.
  • Angus Bell, a former player, offered tributes on his passing.
Latest Updates
  • 8:10 AMYahoo SportsFormer Australia and Ireland international Brian Smith dies aged 59
What they're saying
"

Smith also spent three years as an assistant coach with England

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days