Former All Black Ben Smith set to make his comeback from retirement

Former All Black Ben Smith set to make his comeback from retirement

Former All Black fullback Ben Smith will make his comeback from retirement this weekend for Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Smith brought his career to an end after the 2021 Top League season with Kobe Steelers but came out of retirement to rejoin his former employers last month.

The 84-test cap All Black is set to make his return to professional rugby on Saturday after being named on Kobe Kobelco Steelers bench to face the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japanese Rugby League One match.

The Steelers have struggled this season having won just five matches from 12. Dave Dillon's side did bring in reinforcements last month with World Cup-winning Springbok Lukhanyo Am joining the Club along with Smith.

Smith is joined in the Kobe side by fellow New Zealanders Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Brodi Mccurran and fellow All Black Aaron Cruden.


The Wild Knights, coached by former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, have the likes of George Kruis, Lachlan Boshier, Marika Koroibete, and Vince Aso in their starting lineup for Saturday's clash. 

Follow all the Japanese Rugby League One action live in the Ultimate Rugby App with commentary and stats.


Latest News