All Blacks legend comes out of retirement with immediate effect

Smith made his international debut for New Zealand in 2009, playing 84 tests from then until the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning team. He was vice-captain of the All Blacks from 2016 to 2017 and captained the team once, against Samoa in 2017.

He scored 39 tries for New Zealand throughout his international career, placing him amongst the all-time leading try scorers.

The 35-year-old normally plays as an outside back, but has also previously played as a centre and halfback.

He joins a host of top international players who will feature in the Top League rugby competition next season, which is headlined by former All Blacks teammate Beauden Barrett.

It’s a reminder that you’re much older than you think, and that you’ve probably missed your chance to turn pro.

Below, we have rounded up five internationals that we are certain you will be surprised to learn are still playing. 

Did we miss anybody particularly noteworthy? Make sure you let us know in the comments below. 

The Wales legend could realise his dream of playing in a Rugby World Cup after unexpectedly switching to rugby league. The former union icon, released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018-19 season, has joined 13-a-side club West Wales Raiders.

Henson has participated in several reality television series: .

71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing, The Bachelor and Celebrity Hunted (2019)

The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge last month, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side. He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.

England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home.  The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.

The Sky Sports pundit, who also operates as a backs coach for Maidenhead RFC, loves to get his boots out of the cupboard whenever the opportunity presents itself. As well as playing in charity matches, he has also played a handful of games for Olney Vets.

DID YOU KNOW? In April 2018, he walked to the North Pole in memory of his son Freddie, who was born at 23 weeks, and helped raise over £750,000 for Borne's research

The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port. He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.