Niall Smyth
| Birth name | Niall Smyth | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 9 July 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | New York City, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 118 kg (18.6 st; 260 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Blackrock College | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Niall Smyth (born July 9, 2005) is an Irish rugby union player who operates as a tight‑head prop in the Leinster system. A former soccer standout in New York, he transitioned to rugby during his teenage years and was promoted to Leinster’s senior squad in 2025.
Early life
Smyth was born in New York City and grew up playing soccer, even marking Manchester United youth star Kobbie Mainoo in a state‑level match. Moving to Ireland and enrolling at Blackrock College led him to take up rugby.[1]
Professional career
Leinster
Smyth joined the Leinster Academy ahead of the 2024–25 season.[2] He signed his first senior contract in early 2025.[3] He featured for Leinster 'A' in the Interprovincial Championship but is yet to make his senior debut.
Playing style
At 118 kg and 1.91 m tall, Smyth brings notable physicality to the loosehead position. Former Ireland prop Bernard Jackman described him as “the next Tadhg Furlong”.[4]
References
- ^ "Niall Smyth: "I played football against some high-profile teams like Man United — I marked Kobbie Mainoo"".
- ^ "Leinster's Academy intake includes eight Ireland U‑20 men's internationals". Irish Rugby. August 6, 2024. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
- ^ "Former Blackrock College student, Niall Smyth is turning pro". Leinster Rugby X.
- ^ "Jackman claims Leinster prop Niall Smyth will be 'next Tadhg Furlong'". Balls.ie.