All Blacks legend Aaron Smith set to complete shock transfer

Saturday, 24 January 2026 at 08:59

byRugby Rucker

Toyota Verblitz scrum-half Aaron Smith, 37, has been linked with a potential summer move to Top 14 side Pau, according to French outlet Rugbyrama.

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The legendary All Blacks No.9 is understood to be out of contract at the end of the season, and speculation around his future has gathered pace after Smith was seen following the French club on Instagram — a small but intriguing detail that has caught the attention of supporters.

Smith is widely regarded as one of the greatest scrum-halves of the professional era. He amassed 125 Test caps for New Zealand, becoming the most-capped scrum-half in All Blacks history, and was a central figure in their 2015 Rugby World Cup victory.

Renowned for his lightning-quick pass, sharp decision-making and elite game management, Smith helped define the modern No.9 role over more than a decade at international level.

At club level, Smith was a long-time stalwart of the Highlanders, making over 170 appearances and playing a key role in their historic 2015 Super Rugby title. He joined Toyota Verblitz in 2023, bringing leadership and experience to Japan Rugby League One.

A move to Pau would mark Smith’s first stint in European rugby, adding yet another chapter to an already remarkable career.

Only one rugby player in history has a bigger net worth than Dan Carter

6️⃣ Richie McCaw (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £12–14 million
Bio: Widely regarded as the greatest openside flanker of all time, McCaw captained the All Blacks to two Rugby World Cup victories (2011, 2015). Known for his leadership, work ethic, and tactical intelligence.

Key Points:

Two-time Rugby World Cup winner (2011, 2015)
Long All Blacks career with record appearances
Sponsorships with major brands (Adidas, aviation)
Post-retirement speaking engagements and business ventures

5️⃣ Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)

Estimated Net Worth: £13–15 million
Bio: Ireland’s most capped player and one of the finest centres in rugby history. O’Driscoll led Ireland and the British & Irish Lions to numerous successes and transitioned into media work after retirement.

Key Points:

Ireland and British & Irish Lions captain
Successful broadcasting career (punditry with BT Sport)
Brand ambassador for multiple companies
Post-retirement business roles

4️⃣ Sonny Bill Williams (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £15–17 million
Bio: A dual-code rugby superstar, Williams excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. He also pursued professional boxing, leveraging his sporting success into global endorsements.

Key Points:

Dual-code rugby international
Professional boxing career
Multiple domestic and international rugby titles
Endorsements with global brands

3️⃣ Mike Tindall (England)

Estimated Net Worth: £16–18 million
Bio: Former England centre and 2003 Rugby World Cup winner. Tindall has become a media personality and entrepreneur after retirement.

Key Points:

2003 Rugby World Cup winner with England
Television appearances and reality TV
Brand endorsements and ambassador roles
Family business ventures with Zara Phillips

2️⃣ Dan Carter (New Zealand)

Estimated Net Worth: £17–19 million
Bio: One of the greatest fly-halves ever, Carter starred for the All Blacks and in club rugby in France and Japan. Known for his precision kicking and playmaking.

Key Points:

All Blacks legend and World Cup winner
Record-breaking club contracts in France and Japan
Endorsements and ambassadorial roles
Post-retirement rugby-related ventures

1️⃣ Jonny Wilkinson (England) ?

Estimated Net Worth: £18–22 million
Bio: Legendary England fly-half, famous for the drop goal that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Wilkinson has leveraged his fame for lucrative contracts, endorsements, and media opportunities.

Key Points: