Bottom Line Up Front: Cornel Smit is a versatile South African rugby union centre who has made a significant impact across multiple franchises, transitioning from the Stormers to the Bulls in 2024 and playing crucial roles in United Rugby Championship campaigns.
Personal Details and Physical Attributes
Born on September 10, 1997, Cornel Smit is currently 27 years old and represents the new generation of South African rugby talent. Standing at 1.83 meters (6 feet) tall and weighing 96 kilograms, Smit possesses the ideal physical dimensions for a modern rugby centre, combining sufficient size for defensive duties with the agility needed for creative attacking play.
Born in South Africa, Smit attended Bishop’s College for his schooling, where he developed his rugby foundations. His educational background at one of South Africa’s prestigious rugby schools provided him with the technical skills and tactical understanding that would later serve him well in professional rugby.
Early Career and Western Province Beginnings
Smit began his rugby career with Western Province and made five appearances for the team between 2018 and 2019, scoring 10 points. These early provincial appearances established him as a promising talent in the Western Cape rugby system, demonstrating his ability to compete at senior level while still developing his professional game.
Stormers Era and URC Success
He then joined the Stormers in 2020, where he has made three appearances. Smit was named in the Stormers squad for the Super Rugby Unlocked campaign and made his debut for Stormers in Round 2 of the Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA against the Bulls.
The pinnacle of Smit’s time with the Stormers came during the inaugural United Rugby Championship season. Part of the Stormers squad that won the inaugural URC against Jake White’s team in 2022, Smit experienced the ultimate high of professional rugby by claiming a championship title. Although he didn’t feature in the final itself, his contributions throughout the campaign were valuable to the team’s overall success.
The Move to Bulls: A Career-Defining Transfer
In a significant career move, an exchange deal saw outside back Wandisile Simelane trade places with Cornel Smit at the Stormers in January 2024. This transfer represented a major shift for Smit, who had spent his entire amateur and professional career in the Western Cape.
As Smit himself reflected: “Growing up, my family were huge fans of Western Province and the Stormers, but I think it was time for me to put that aside and try to focus on what’s best for my career.”
Bulls Success and URC Final Glory
The move to Pretoria proved transformative for Smit’s career. Making his Bulls debut from the bench during their semifinal victory over Leinster, Smit quickly integrated into Jake White’s system. He replaced Springbok star Willie le Roux in the second half during the victory at Loftus, showcasing his versatility by seamlessly transitioning into different backline positions.
Smit could play an even bigger role in helping the Vodacom Bulls win their first title when they host Glasgow Warriors in the final in 2024. His unique perspective, having been part of the Stormers’ championship-winning campaign, provided valuable insight to a Bulls squad seeking their maiden URC title.
Playing Style and Mental Approach
“Whether we are favourites or not anything can happen on the day and that is what we are training for. We just want to play the best rugby on the day,” Smit explained when discussing his approach to high-pressure situations. This mental resilience and team-first attitude exemplify his professional maturity.
“The most important thing is the team. At the end of the day, it all looks much better on our CVs if we have a URC championship on there, so whatever we can do to help whether that means me starting, on the bench or even not playing I am happy to fulfil that role.”
Current Status and Future Prospects
Currently playing for Bulls in South Africa as centre, Smit continues to be an integral part of their United Rugby Championship ambitions. His adaptability, championship experience, and professional attitude make him a valuable asset for any team’s success in elite-level rugby competition.
