Welsh Centre Garyn Smith Signs

Centre Garyn Signs for The Cornish Pirates

During what has been a particularly busy period of player news from the Cornish Pirates, it is pleasing to announce that centre Garyn Smith has signed a one-year contract with the club.

Pontypridd-born Garyn, aged 26, is a former Wales U18s, Wales U20s and Wales 7s player who joins from Cardiff Rugby, where he made over 100 appearances.

Garyn came through the ranks at Pontypridd Juniors and Youth, following in the footsteps of both his father Steve, and grandfather Joe, who also represented the Sardis Road club.

After graduating through the Cardiff Academy and making his senior debut in 2014, Garyn scored his first try against Zebre later in the campaign. He captained against Exeter during the 2016 LV Cup and he also played a key role in the 2018 Challenge Cup Final when, despite playing out of position on the wing, he scored a try and won the penalty which enabled Gareth Anscombe to deliver the match-winning points in the dying moments of the game.

Pleased to have acquired Garyn’s signature, Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle has commented:

“Garyn is someone with a great pedigree and experience behind him, but who at the same time is still young and ambitious to continue playing at a top level.

“We have big holes to fill with the departures of Callum Patterson and Nicolas De Battista, so acquiring the services of Garyn, who will also have natural influence on younger players in the squad, fits really well.”

Cardiff Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Dai Young, has also spoken highly of Garyn, saying:

“He is a great professional who always gives his absolute all, and we wish him all the very best for his next chapter.”