Rhyno Smith's rugby journey, which began in the FNB Varsity Cup, has been a remarkable rise from the university ranks to playing professionally in Europe.
Born in Paarl, Western Cape, Smith’s talent quickly caught the eye when he joined FNB NWU for the 2014 FNB Varsity Cup. Although he started only two games that season, his clutch performance in the semi-final, where he kicked a last-minute penalty to secure a 19–18 win over FNB Madibaz, marked his arrival on the national scene.
Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Smith says, “I remember the pressure of that penalty. It was a turning point in my career and helped me gain confidence. The Varsity Cup gave me that platform to prove myself, even when I wasn’t a starter.”
In 2015, Smith’s role at FNB NWU grew significantly, and he firmly established himself as one of the top players in the competition. Starting all nine matches, he finished the season as the top scorer with 101 points, including a try that was later nominated as the try of the season. Despite the Eagles falling short in the final, Smith’s stellar performances earned him a spot in the FNB Varsity Cup Dream Team and the FNB Player That Rocks award.
“Playing in the Varsity Cup was a huge step for me,” Smith admits. “It showcased my versatility and helped me mature as a player, both mentally and physically.”
Smith’s impressive performances led to stints with the Free State Cheetahs, the Sharks, and the South African Sevens team in 2018. In 2021, he made the move to Italian club Benetton Treviso, where he has since played over 50 games in the United Rugby Championship.
From his humble beginnings in the FNB Varsity Cup to his international success, Rhyno Smith’s story is a testament to the power of the competition in shaping the future of South African rugby.
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By: Adnaan Mohamed.
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