Eight ageing rugby players who arrived late to light up the Aviva Premiership

Tuesday, 19 September 2017 at 22:45

bySteven Smith

Since its formation in 1997, the Premiership has grown heaps and bounds and has become one of, if not the, best rugby league in the world.

RUCK here is looking at eight players who arguably signed too late in their careers, but were still able to make a significant impact for their employers.

1. George Smith

The flanker made a huge impact on not just his club, but English rugby’s wider-world during the year he has spent at Wasps in 2015

When the news broke that Dai Young had signed the 111-times-capped Australian legend from Lyon, it is fair to say that more than a few doubts were heard following the French clubs relegation.

However, the next seven months emphatically proved Smith’s still had it as his on-field performances were consistently superb, with him winning Players' Player of the Year.

During his time in England, he also acted as a breakdown consultant for Eddie Jones's Grand Slam-winning England squad

2. Schalk Burger

Renowned for his high work ethic and dynamic, robust and physical style of play, Burger is one of world rugby's most decorated players.

The Springbok legend, who was part of the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning side, signed a two-year deal with Saracens in 2016, aged 33 and won the Champions Cup in his first season.

Could the 2017/18 season be his last? We'd never write him off.

3. Victor Matfield

Following a stellar career, which included winning the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Matfield initially retired in 2011.

However, the forward returned to rugby in 2014 and made his way back into contention and represented the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

He then, aged 38, played for Northampton Saints during the 2015/16 Premiership season, mentoring young talent and starring on the field, before hanging up his boots for good.

4. John Smit

The Rugby legend ended his career with two years at Saracens, where he made 46 appearances for the London side, scoring two tries.

Joining aged 33, Smit was the current South Africa captain and is complimented with not only his on-field performances but his work behind the scenes with the Sarries academy.

5. Matt Burke

After losing his Super Rugby playing contract with the NSW Waratahs, Burke was offered contracts by eight different clubs - including other teams in the Super Rugby competition.

Instead, he joined the Newcastle Falcons, where he has played alongside former English rival Jonny Wilkinson (his opposite kicker in Lions tour of Australia).

During his four years at Kingston Park, he scored 288 points in 59 appearances and also won the 'Player of the Year' at the Falcons and was named as captain of the side.

6. Michael Lynagh

A 32-year-old Lynagh became one of the first major signings as the game turned professional when he joined Saracens, guiding them to a 48-18 victory over Wasps in the 1998 Tetley Bitter Cup final.

7. Jean de Villiers

8. Maxime Mermoz

The talented Frenchman has been one of the most exciting players to watch in Europe throughout the last decade.

FIrst joining Leicester on loan before joining Newcastle permanently, Premiership fans can now only dream of seeing the 31-year-old when he was at the peak of his powers.

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