| Luke Smith | |
| Birth Name: | Luke Atholl Smith |
| Birth Date: | 1971 2, df=yes |
| Birth Place: | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Death Place: | East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Height: | 175 cm |
| Weight: | 84kg (185lb)[1] |
| Years1: | 1998–99 |
| Years2: | 1999–2000 |
| Years3: | 2000 |
| Years4: | 2001–02 |
| Clubs1: | Glasgow Warriors |
| Clubs2: | Racing 92 |
| Clubs3: | Rotherham |
| Clubs4: | Saracens |
| Apps1: | 5 |
| Apps3: | 5 |
| Apps4: | 17 |
| Points1: | 27 |
| Points3: | 61 |
| Points4: | 194 |
| Provinceyears4: | 1998 |
| Province2: | Blue Bulls |
| Province4: | Border Bulldogs |
| Position: | Fly-half |
| Coachyears1: | 2013–present |
| Coachteams1: | Dale College Boys' High School |
| School: | Dale College Boys' High School |
Luke Smith (born 9 February 1971 in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa – died 16 July 2021) was a professional rugby union player. He played at fly-half for Glasgow Caledonians, now Glasgow Warriors; as well as Racing 92 and Saracens among others.
He signed for Glasgow in 1998 from Border Bulldogs in South Africa.[2] He was Scottish-qualified as his grandmother, Rachel Watson, was from Edinburgh.
He made the move in the hope of representing Scotland. He stated: "After being sidelined for two years because of a serious knee injury, I made up my mind to continue my career in Europe. When I told my agent about my family background, he set about getting me fixed up with a Scottish team. The ultimate goal for any player is to play at international level and as soon as I found out that I could be eligible for Scotland, my sights were set."[3]
However, injury prevented him from receiving Scotland 'A'[4] or Scotland 'B' honours[5] and the hope of a Scotland career stalled. He did however represent a combined Scottish Districts side.[6] [7] [8]
He played two matches in the Heineken Cup for Glasgow; against US Colomiers[9] [10] and Pontypridd.[11] He also played in the Scottish Inter-District Championship and in that season's WRU Challenge Cup.[12]
He also played for Glasgow in friendlies against touring international sides South Africa[13] and the Māori All Blacks[14] and Fiji.[15]
After playing for Glasgow, Smith moved to Racing 92 and then Rotherham.[16] He played just 5 matches for Rotherham before signing for Saracens.[1]
Smith also played for Mirano Rugby in Italy; and Birmingham & Solihull, Coventry and Esher in England.[5]
Schooled at Selborne College in East London and Dale College Boys' High School in King William's Town, South Africa, Smith returned to his former school as rugby coach.[5]
Smith died suddenly on 16 July 2021.[17]