Keith Smith

Who was Keith Smith?

Keith Smith was a former English dual-code international rugby player; he excelled in playing centre. He first played with Moortown and Yorkshire Colts rugby then advanced to Roundhay. It was from that side that he was selected to play in the English international ranks.

His Roundhay début was against local rivals West Leeds Old Boys in 1972. The last of his eventual 85 games was played was against Gosforth in 1976 for the National Cup. He eventually played 14 times for Yorkshire.

His first English appearance was a disappointing 12-12 draw against France played at Parc des Princes in Paris on 2 March 1974. In this game his centre pairing was Coventry’s Geoff Evans. Peter Squires and Alan Old also played alongside him, they were both from his Yorkshire club. The following day over 200 people, many rugby supporters returning from the match, were killed in an air crash over Northern France.

Smith then went on the play for England against Wales at Twickenham two weeks later and added two more caps against Wales in Cardiff in 1975 and then playing against Scotland at Twickenham the following game.

Smith’s trademark skill was an irresistible dummy and a beautiful pair of hands, while his ability to glide through the tightest defences made him a valuable centre.