Rugby Inside Line has reported that Wallabies legend George Smith will be joining Bristol on a short-term deal.
He will turn 38 before the start of the upcoming season, but newly promoted Bristol have been strongly linked with signing the Australian on a short-term deal ahead of their return to the Gallagher Premiership.
TRANSFER RUMOUR: Hearing from sources in Australia that Australian legend George Smith will likely be joining Bristol on a short term deal. pic.twitter.com/ys89PUZATO
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) June 20, 2018
The flanker has played 111 internationals for Australia, making his debut back in 2000 and playing his final game against the British and Irish Lions in 2013.
He has been a free agent since he was sacked by Japanese side Suntory after it emerged in January that Smith had been arrested following an incident with a taxi driver on New Year’s Eve.
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Suntory fired him over the same incident. In a statement at the time the club said: “In addition to the victim and those involved, we sincerely apologize to the many people to whom we have caused trouble.”
His club career has also seen him play for the Brumbies, Lyon, Queensland Reds, Stade Français, Toulon and Wasps, with the flanker winning the Premiership player of the year award during his one season with the black and golds in 2015/16.