George Smith: Northampton Saints sign lock and former NFL hopeful

Premiership champions Northampton Saints have signed George Smith after the lock walked away from the chance of forging an career in American football.

The 22-year-old, who stands 6ft 8in (203cm) and weighs in at 138kg, was among the NFL’s international player pathway intake earlier this year alongside ex-Wales star Louis Rees-Zammit.

Smith was in the United States from late January before being tempted back to rugby and the English game with Saints in April, having played in the second division with Coventry up until his decision to try to earn an NFL contract.

“I was out in America but it just wasn’t really for me,” Smith told the club website., external

“I wanted to pursue rugby more than American Football. Shieldsy [Paul Shields, Saints head of recruitment and retention] rang me up asking if I wanted to come in, train with the boys and see if it was the right fit.

“It felt like home from day one.”