Brian Smith, former Wallabies and Balmain Tigers star, dies at 59

Former Australian rugby and rugby league star Brian Smith has died at the age of 59 following a battle with aggressive cancer. Smith was a dual-code player who represented both Australia and Ireland in Test rugby before transitioning to rugby league in 1991, playing for the Balmain Tigers and Easts.

Following his playing career, Smith became a coach and served as the head of sport at Scots College in Sydney. The Wallabies and various former players, including prop Angus Bell, have paid tribute to his impact as a mentor and coach. Smith's career included playing for the Reds and participating in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.