Wayne Keith Smith

@lcalcutt @craddock_cmail Yeah, Lane, I think I have always written too much!

@WayneKeithSmith @craddock_cmail And to think I once subbed your stories! Loved carving them to fit

To all those who have sent such generous words on my impending retirement, thank you so much. I’ll try to reply individually. But Wednesday is my final day and for now I have a column and a news story to file. So it might take time...

@phillutton78 @ChrisGarry7 Keep it together, Phil. Keep it together.

@WayneKeithSmith @ChrisGarry7 Smithy I’m working up for a big tweet for your last day on Wednesday. I can’t go twice or I’ll be overcome with emotion.

@GPRUGBYCEO Will do.

@WayneKeithSmith Please give him my regards - Arg a tough place to be at present.

@GPRUGBYCEO No, he has brought his family over to Australia. Very relieved about that.

@WayneKeithSmith I know incredible how time flys! Is Phil still over there?

@GPRUGBYCEO Thanks Greg. Seems like only yesterday I was interviewing you in Buenos Aires. Really appreciated your help over the years.

@WayneKeithSmith Congrats on an amazing ride mate! Always a pleasure dealing with you. Enjoy the next phase!

@mick_cowley Crashed car? What crashed car? Don’t remember a thing about it. Ah Michael, we did have some fun back then. Wonderful to hear from you.

@WayneKeithSmith Congrats on an amazing career Smithy. Was always enjoyable and quite often filled with laughs on swimming trips with you. Still remember that crashed car from Japan. Lol. Enjoy whatever comes next mate.

@mtoomua Thanks Matt. Always enjoyed our chats. You’re playing wonderfully. Keep it up, both for the Rebels and Australia.

@WayneKeithSmith Congrats Wayne. Awesome contribution to our game. All the best in the future..!

@benny_alexander @LordLaurie58 Yep, sad but true. Great to hear from you.

@WayneKeithSmith @LordLaurie58 You hanging up your pen/keyboard Wayne? Congrats if so mate.

Huge respect to @WayneKeithSmith and his contribution to both journalism and rugby over a long period. Fair, honest, well researched and thorough always. A genuinely good guy with his heart in the game. Good on ya mate.

@LordLaurie58 Hadn’t thought of that. Good idea!

@WayneKeithSmith Cheers mate. You’ve got time to get on the IRB Laws Committee now so I’m expecting you to rattle some cages. Best wishes.

@swbale951 @iainpayten Yes we did, Steve. How wonderful to hear from you. I recall turning to you for an outsider’s view of George Gregan when he was coming under fire in Australia and you simply said, “Wayne, he’s still one of the best halfbacks in the world.” Thank you for some wonderful memories.

@iainpayten @WayneKeithSmith May I offer @WayneKeithSmith the very best Iain? We had some great, great days together, did we not?

A superb newsman, analyst and wordsmith. But I never met anyone who cares for the 15-man game as much as @WayneKeithSmith and it informed every yarn he wrote. Hope to read much more mate.

Sitaleki Timani might be no spring chicken at 34, signing for the Western Force, but Rugby Australia’s director of rugby Scott Johnson believes the 18-Test lock is in the best shape of his life.

Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa and Force hooker Andrew Ready both suspended for three weeks after facing SANZAAR judiciary. Three weeks seems to be standard fare these days.

Terrific servants of Queensland journalism and sport, Paul Malone, Jim Tucker, John McCoy, Ross Lawson welcomed into Sports Media Wall of Fame at Suncorp today. Spent a lot of time in press boxes with Jimmy and no one put more humanity into rugby coverage than he did.

@KylieMLindsay @TrentDalton What a beautiful compliment. I feel like I should say something magical in reply. So I’ll try. Thank you.

@WayneKeithSmith @TrentDalton What a beautiful way with words you have Wayne ❤️

BREAKING: Code-hopping winger Suliasi Vunivalu has been fined $10,000 and suspended from the Reds’ opening Super Rugby AU match against NSW after pushing a security guard at a nightclub in late January. Press conference currently underway at Ballymore.

Significant blow to Waratahs asJack Dempsey decides to move to Glasgow Warriors at the of the season. Most experienced Test player in NSW side and one of the most elusive going into contact.