Smith converts to Wasps
June 23 2009
Wasps have announced the signing of England rugby league winger Lee Smith, who joins Adams Park until the end of their 2011/12 campaign.
The 22-year-old product of Leeds Academy made his senior debut for the club in March 2005 and scored 42 tries in 88 appearances playing at full back, wing and centre.
He was called up to the England rugby league squad for last year's World Cup in Australia where he scored three tries in two appearances and was part of the Rhinos side that secured the title last year over St Helens, claiming the man-of-the-match award for his efforts.
Smith joins Wasps after seven seasons in rugby league and his arrival in November will add further depth to Wasps' back division for the 2009/10 season.
"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," said Smith.
"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."
Meanwhile, Director of Rugby Tony Hanks admitted his delight at securing the services of Smith and looks forward to seeing him in a Wasps jersey.
"Lee is a quality player who will again add strength to our squad for the upcoming season," he said.
"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."