Photo credit: Bridgend Ravens
Naquan Smith’s story is one of determination and fight. Overcoming different injuries and thrived in a variety of different environments. Hard work and dedication are the foundations of his story; they shaped the player and person he is today.
The meaning of the game
“Rugby means a huge amount to me. I’ve played it for as long as I can remember, and it’s shaped who I am. For me, there’s no better way to express myself. It’s an outlet where I can release any frustration and be fully in the moment.”
As human beings, we all need an outlet that lets us escape the trials and tribulations of a busy world. We all need a platform that allows us to be our best. For Smith, that is rugby. A sport that has taken him far and wide. The first chapter we will cover starts at Hartpury. Smith elaborates on that time in his life.
“It’s a special thing to do with the history and prestige of the place within rugby, and lads all round the world travelling to be there, but to have it on the doorstep was lucky. It’s an honour to represent the club, and whichever team you play for, you can feel the opposition wanting to get one over you that bit more because of the reputation Hartpury holds.”
Following that period in his life, Smith got his first taste of a professional environment, an opportunity he didn’t take lightly.
Gloucester and lessons
“Unfortunately, I don’t feel as though I could say I played for Gloucester properly in a proper competitive game, but to sign for Gloucester at 18, out of school, is everything you dream about from when you start playing rugby from young, especially as local lad from Gloucester where rugby is the biggest thing in Gloucester.”
He has faced challenges throughout his career, and Smith talks about the lessons he has learnt and how he sees the game.
“The biggest lesson is to back myself to play the game the way I want to play it, rather than focusing on avoiding mistakes. When you’re worried about errors, you hold back and play passively. When you trust your own game, you play with confidence and make more of an impact, and mistakes just become part of the game.”
Currently, Smith is recovering from shoulder surgery; once ready, he will be hunting for impact at the Brewery field with Bridgend Ravens.
The future
“I’m hugely excited. I joined in the summer, and unfortunately injuries meant I only managed a half in pre-season, but I enjoyed it a lot. All the lads have been great, and the coaching set-up is excellent. Now I want to get involved in Super Rugby Cymru, which is a brilliant competition, and show what I can do for the club.”
Speaking on ambitions, Smith’s goal is clear: the professional game.
“Ultimately, my goal is to be playing professional rugby again in an elite environment. The last few years haven’t been easy, with a couple of injuries, but I’m as confident and determined as ever, and I’m ready to work to get back to the top.”
Smith’s story is a fitting one: a tale of somebody who loves rugby and gives his all to the game; it truly is a way of life.
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