New challenge for Smith

Wasps complete swoop for RL international

Last updated: 23rd June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

New challenge for Smith

Smith: Joining Wasps

A move to London Wasps is a massive challenge for me, not only as a rugby league player moving to union, but also leaving Leeds for London.

Lee Smith
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London Wasps have continued their rebuilding process with the signing of rugby league international Lee Smith.

The 22-year-old will join Wasps in November on a three-year contract when his current deal with Leeds Rhinos runs out at the end of the Super League season.

Smith, who can play at full-back, winger and centre, has scored 42 tries in 88 appearances for the Rhinos and played in England's disappointing RL World Cup campaign.

Smith, though, is now relishing the chance to make his name playing the 15-a-side code.

"A move to London Wasps is a massive challenge for me, not only as a rugby league player moving to union, but also leaving Leeds for London," he said.

"Wasps are one of the biggest clubs in the Guinness Premiership and have some of the best players in England.

"The opportunity to train alongside players of such calibre with a coaching team of Tony Hanks and Shaun Edwards couldn't be missed.

"I have enjoyed some great success at Leeds Rhinos and Wasps were the obvious choice with their history of success in the Premiership and Europe."

Smith will join fellow summer signings Jason Hobson, Dan Ward-Smith, David Lemi, Steve Kefu, Tom Varndell, Ben Jacobs and Warren Fury at Adams Park.

And director of rugby Tony Hanks, who has taken over the reins from Ian McGeechan and added Trevor Woodman and John McCloskey to his coaching staff, has high hopes for Smith.

Hanks said: "Lee is a quality player who will again add strength to our squad for the upcoming season. While still only 22, he has developed an impressive CV already with Leeds and England in rugby league and we are excited about the skill set and experience he will bring with him.

"Working alongside someone like Shaun (Edwards), who has worked in both codes, will of course be a massive benefit to Lee and we look forward to welcoming him to the club in November."