"Great lad" - Alex Sanderson reacts to Sale Sharks signing Wales international

The 31-year-old loosehead will complete the campaign with Leicester Tigers before joining Alex Sanderson’s squad, adding vast experience, consistency and international pedigree to an already formidable Sharks pack.

For Sanderson, however, the appeal of Smith goes far beyond his 59 Wales caps or his reputation as one of the league’s most durable scrummagers. Speaking yesterday, Sale’s Director of Rugby was quick to highlight the human qualities that made Smith such a compelling addition.

“He’s such a good bloke,” Sanderson said. “I’m really looking forward to working with him. Aside from the fact he’s a 50-capper and brings that kind of experience, he’s a great lad. In the mugshots he looks a bit scary, but he’s some fella when you chat to him. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him.”

That warmth and authenticity is something Sanderson clearly values, and it is no coincidence that Smith’s character stood out just as much as his rugby ability during the recruitment process. The Sale boss pointed to Smith’s recent performance for Leicester against Leinster as a defining example.

Despite knowing by that point that his future lay elsewhere, Smith delivered a strong, committed display in Tigers’ narrow defeat at Welford Road.

“That’s a sign of the man,” Sanderson said. “To put in a performance like that for a team he’s still connected to – that’s a good character reference. It tells you everything you need to know.”

Smith’s journey to this point has been built on substance and hard work. Born in Swansea, he cut his teeth in the amateur game before representing Aberavon and eventually earning a professional opportunity with the Ospreys in 2012. Over the next decade he became a cornerstone of the Welsh region, making 200 appearances before moving to Leicester ahead of the 2024/25 season.

His impact in the Premiership has been immediate. In just 31 appearances for Tigers, Smith was named in last season’s Gallagher Premiership Team of the Year, recognition voted for by broadcasters, journalists and Rugby Players’ Association representatives.

Internationally, he made his Wales debut against Fiji in 2014 and has since amassed 59 caps, including involvement in this year's Quilter Nations Series.

At Sale, Smith will join a front row brimming with talent and ambition. With Bevan Rodd already established at loosehead and internationals such as Asher Opoku-Fordjour and WillGriff John over on the other side, competition is fierce – and exactly how Sanderson wants it.

“The scrum is such an important part of the game, especially in the conditions we play in,” Sanderson explained. “If you want to be dominant, you need strength in depth. You need three front rows deep, or thereabouts, of international quality.”

Smith himself was immediately drawn to that competitive edge and to Sanderson’s vision for the club.

“I spoke to Alex and I loved how ambitious he was,” Smith said to the Sale Sharks website after signing. “It’s exciting to join a club that’s so clear about wanting to win and compete for every trophy.

“As an opposition player, Sale is always a really tough place to go. As a forward, you know you have to front up. I’m looking forward to being part of that.”