Our latest student story features Franco Smith, a Professional Rugby Player with the Cheetahs and a current student on the BSc in Strength & Conditioning at Setanta.
In the article below Franco shares his journey into rugby, from growing up wanting to follow in his fathers footsteps as a professional rugby player, overcoming injury setbacks to making his Currie Cup debut this year.
A Life Shaped by Rugby
Rugby has always played a central role in Franco’s life. Born in Wales and raised between South Africa and Italy, to a strong rugby family, a career in rugby was something Franco always aspired to pursue.
“Rugby has always been a part of my life. Ever since my birth in Wales, we’ve been travelling the world because of rugby. It was a natural fit for me from the moment I could walk, given my dad’s involvement in the rugby world, both as a former player and a coach,” he shared.
His father, former Springbok Franco Smith Snr, provided both guidance and mentorship. “I always wanted to follow in my dad’s footsteps, so, thanks to his guidance, advice, and private coaching at times, I knew how much hard work it would take to pursue rugby professionally.”
Currie Cup Debut
Prior to joining the Cheetahs, Franco played professionally with Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma where he made appearances in both the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Challenge Cup. Earlier this year, Franco made his debut in the Currie Cup for the Cheetahs, a special moment having grown up on the sidelines.
“Being able to play in the historically renowned Currie Cup this year was just as special to me. I grew up watching Currie Cup rugby from the sidelines and always aspired to be able to play in this competition,” he said.
From Italy to South Africa
Having grown up between Italy and South Africa and played professionally in both, Franco offers a unique perspective on rugby in both countries.
“Fortunately, I grew up between Italy and South Africa, so Italian culture is a part of me just as much as South African culture. However, they are completely different, especially when it comes to rugby. South Africans live and breathe rugby, whereas Italy is still predominantly a football country. That doesn’t take away the professionalism and talent Italy has in rugby. I believe a country’s culture influences the way a country lives its sport,” he noted.
“In South Africa, we are expected to perform and be a finished product as professionals because we play rugby from a very young age at a relatively high quality. We have a natural feeling for the sport. SA rugby is very direct and hard physically as well, because we have a lot of physically gifted players. In Italy, young players are formed and developed very well technically as individuals, to play rugby effectively and accurately. They have a lot of skilled and versatile players, and style of play because of this.”
Life as a Professional Rugby Player
Balancing training, matches, recovery, and academic life requires careful planning.
“My week starts on a Sunday, where I plan everything to the minute and I try my best to incorporate everything that I need that could make a difference on the field for game day, even if it only makes me 1% better,” he explained.
That structure is complemented by adaptability. “I take it day by day as well. If I need more recovery on a certain day, I listen to my body and add it to my schedule. It takes a lot of discipline.”
When asked how he handles the physical and mental pressures of elite rugby, Franco is clear about what keeps him focused.
“Staying humble, grateful, and hard-working. For me, nothing is ever given, so whether it’s mental or physical, these three elements are essential to my pursuit of success, whether it’s in a meeting room, a session review, or a training session.”
Managing Injury and Bouncing Back
In recent years like many athletes, Franco has faced injury setbacks, however he has not let these setbacks deter him.
“It’s part of the game. What happened in the past cannot be changed; I can only manage the present to pursue my future success,” he said.
“Doubt and emotional stress will be there, but it’s about how quickly I can move on from this and focus on what is the next step to getting back and ready to play again. Discipline needs to overcome emotion and motivation.”
Studying Strength & Conditioning
Franco’s own experience as a young athlete drove his motivation to study strength & conditioning.
“As a teenager, I was never really gifted physically as a player and had to do my own research, train, and coach myself at times to help me become a better athlete,” he explained.
“Later, after multiple years of studying in different directions, it felt natural for me to approach a formal study of the science of building an athlete. Setanta was the perfect fit.”
Studying S&C has helped Franco in understanding his own preparation and performance as an athlete.
“Whatever I’ve studied to this day has benefited me. I understand my body better now, and I can condition myself better. I apply my studies to my work daily.”
That practical application is supported by Setanta’s flexible learning model.
“Setanta makes it very easy. I always find time to do work daily because of the flexibility of the way every lesson is programmed,” he said. “There are times when it is hard to do my study work, but the Setanta team is very comprehensive and helpful concerning my time clashes, allowing me more time to complete the modules without rushing through them.”
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Franco hopes to transition into coaching or athlete development once his playing career finishes.
“I would definitely love to work with young aspiring athletes in the future, be it in rugby or any other sport,” he said. “I never had the opportunity as a youngster to train with someone who is an expert in athletic development, so I would love to give that opportunity to others.”
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