New Zealander · Hamilton, New Zealand · Born 20 November 1987Aaron Smith is a New Zealand scrum-half regarded as one of the greatest number 9s in rugby history and the most-capped All Blacks scrum-half.
Aaron Luke Smith was born on 21 November 1988 in Palmerston North, New Zealand, and attended Feilding High School before progressing through Manawatu's provincial system and into the Otago Highlanders' Super Rugby squad in 2011. Standing just 1.71 metres tall, he developed into one of the finest and fastest-passing scrum-halves the game has ever produced. Smith made his All Blacks debut in 2012 and quickly established himself as the country's first-choice number nine, renowned for his lightning-quick service from the base of the ruck, which became a defining tactical weapon for New Zealand's attacking game throughout the 2010s. He broke Justin Marshall's long-standing record to become New Zealand's most-capped scrum-half in 2018. Smith earned 125 caps for the All Blacks across a 12-year international career, becoming the most-capped scrum-half in the country's history, and helped New Zealand win the 2015 Rugby World Cup, while overcoming considerable competition from TJ Perenara for the starting jersey throughout his later career. Smith played his final Test for New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to South Africa, retiring from international rugby with a legacy as one of the most influential scrum-halves in the sport's history, before moving to Japan to continue his club career with Toyota Verblitz.
Record-breaking All Blacks scrum-half, 2015 World Cup winner
How They Played
Smith is renowned for his lightning-quick service from the base of rucks and scrums, providing clean, accurate ball to his backline partners. His exceptional game awareness and decision-making under pressure make him a master of controlling tempo and territory. He combines superb passing skills with strong running ability and tactical kicking when needed.
Lasting Impact
Smith redefined the modern scrum-half position with his speed of service and game management, setting new standards for the role in international rugby.
Career Honours
- 2015 Rugby World Cup winner
- most-capped All Black scrum-half
- multiple Rugby Championship titles
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlanders | 2011–2024 | — | 0 | #8 |
| Manawatu | 2009–2011 | — | — | — |
 New Zealand | — | 133 | 8 | — |
New Zealander Athletes